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Social media feels inescapable. There are 4.8 billion social media users worldwide. On average, people report spending almost 2.5 hours on social media daily. And it’s nearly impossible to be on social media without coming across social media influencers.
So, what’s the impact of social media influencers on the mental health of users? It’s not all bad news; social media influencers can bring some positivity. But, as a social media user, you should also know about the potential adverse effects these influencers can have on your mental health.
Social Media Influencers and Mental Health
The impact of influencers on your mental health is undeniable. It’s in the name: social media influencers influence users. If you spend hours a day listening to and watching them, it’s only natural that you’ll be impacted by what they say and show you.
Many people unknowingly develop parasocial relationships with social media influencers. A parasocial relationship is a one-sided relationship in which you think you have a connection with a stranger. Since social media influencers show so much of their personal lives to their audiences, users can start to feel that they’re close friends, trust everything they say, and become invested in their lives. This gives influencers even more power to impact the lives and mental health of their followers.
The Positive Effects of Following Influencers
It’s important to know that the effect of influencers isn’t always harmful. Some positive outcomes can come from following a social media influencer. Here are some examples:
- Finding a community. Individuals looking for a niche community often find connections on social media that might not be otherwise available to them in their local region. Influencers can be at the center as the primary connection for these communities. Individuals can find communities based on interests, lifestyle traits, and other factors. Examples of such communities include influencers who focus their content on a vegan lifestyle, fashion lovers, or technology enthusiasts.
- Learning new information. Influencers can be a source of new information on a topic a user may be unfamiliar with. For example, a new mom might find it helpful to follow an influencer who focuses on sharing her experience as a mom and the lessons learned along the way.
- Positive impact influencers. Some influencers are solely focused on making a positive impact. For example, there are mental health influencers who try to break down the stigma around mental health conditions. In some cases, these influencers are actually mental health professionals who are using a social platform to educate. Either way, these accounts can be a source of help and information for people struggling with their own mental health. Other examples of influencers with a positive cause are nutritionists who tackle diet culture, feminists who fight the patriarchy, and recovered addicts who tackle the dangers of substance abuse.
Negative Consequences of Social Media Comparison
Of course, most adults today understand that social media has more negative risks than positive outcomes. Social media is addictive, causing users to spend hours a day staring at influencers. Some of the negative impacts that can happen from the consumption of influencer content are summarized below.
1. Discontent With Your Own Life
Social media isn’t an accurate portrayal of anyone’s life. Influencers have a reputation for showcasing the most glamorous and perfect parts of their lives online. After all, they need to create the illusion of being perfect and celebrity-like to gain a following.
So, social media influencers only show the perfectly curated side of their lives. When you’re constantly watching their videos, it can feel like you have more insight into their lives than you really do. You might see their dozen vacations in a year but not realize those were all work trips. Or you see a perfect home but don’t realize they have cleaners.
Over time, you may start to compare your average, mundane life to the influencer’s seemingly perfect, exciting life. This comparison can decrease your happiness and even lead to depression.
2. Body Image Issues
Social media influencers often face pressure to look perfect; after all, thousands of people online comment on their appearance, so they want to look their best. Many influencers use filters and edit their images and videos. What they post online is an airbrushed, unrealistic version of themselves.
But if you aren’t aware of these tactics, you might start to compare yourself to what you see on the screen. This can lead to body image issues, lowered self-esteem, and even eating disorders.
3. Loneliness
Social media is meant to help people always stay connected no matter where they are. It’s also often a way to meet new people. And yet, social media usage has been linked to increased loneliness. One study found that users should spend less than 30 minutes daily on social media apps to avoid increased feelings of depression and loneliness.
However, influencers frequently portray a life full of friends and social connections. The reality is that social media is a job for influencers. They might make connections solely for the purpose of posting.
If you’re comparing this to your life, you might feel you don’t have as many relationships as you should. So when you finish watching a video of an influencer’s weekly gathering with 12 friends, you’re left feeling more isolated than before.
Setting Healthy Boundaries With Online Content
You don’t have to quit watching your favorite influencer. Social media can positively impact your life if you know how to do it right. Here are some tips to reset your relationship with social media and social media influencers:
- The key is balance. You should set a time limit for your daily social media apps.
- Remind yourself that social media isn’t real life. No matter how relatable and honest an influencer may seem, you see an edited and scripted version of them.
- When you watch or engage with an influencer’s content, be mindful of how it makes you feel. You should be walking away feeling informed, happy, or entertained. If you walk away feeling worse about yourself, it’s time to cut the cord and unfollow that influencer.
- Watch out that you don’t form strong parasocial relationships with influencers. If you find yourself feeling deeply connected to an influencer, highly invested in their life, or constantly craving updates from them, it’s time to disconnect.
- Try a social media detox every few months to give yourself a break. If you notice an improvement in your overall mental health when you’re not on social media, it could be a sign to stay off the apps long-term.
Remember, it’s up to you to limit the impact these digital celebrities have on you and your life.
Mental Health Support at FHE Health
If you’re struggling with your mental health, a digital detox might not be enough. Speaking to a professional can help you return to feeling like your old self. Get the support you need at FHE Health. Contact us today to learn about our mental health programs.
