JAN PHILIP KYLE P.
IGSOC
Performance Task in EAPP
Social Media and Mental Health:
The Hidden Cost of Connection
Thesis Statement:
While social media connects people globally, it often causes more harm than good to
mental health by promoting unrealistic comparisons, increasing anxiety and depression,
and reducing genuine social interaction.
In today’s digital age, social media has become an essential part of daily life. Platforms
such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok allow people to share moments, express
opinions, and stay connected with friends and family. However, beneath this sense of
connection lies a darker reality: the negative impact of social media on mental health.
Many users, especially teenagers and young adults, struggle with self-esteem issues,
anxiety, and loneliness due to constant exposure to idealized lifestyles online. This essay
argues that despite its benefits, social media often damages mental well-being by
fostering harmful comparisons, heightening anxiety and depression, and weakening real-
life relationships.
One of the main reasons social media harms mental health is the culture of comparison
it encourages. People often post only the highlights of their lives—vacations, celebrations,
and achievements—creating an illusion of perfection. According to Fardouly and
Vartanian (2016), exposure to idealized images on social media increases body
dissatisfaction and lowers self-esteem, particularly among young women. This constant
comparison leads users to feel inadequate about their own lives, believing they are not
successful or attractive enough. Moreover, social media algorithms tend to show content
similar to what users engage with, trapping them in a cycle of unrealistic standards. In
this way, what was once meant to connect people ends up deepening insecurity and envy.
Another major concern is that social media use has been linked to anxiety and
depression. Research by Primack et al. (2017) found that people who spend more than
two hours a day on social media are significantly more likely to experience symptoms of
depression and anxiety. The constant pressure to stay updated, maintain an online image,
and gain likes or followers can lead to emotional exhaustion. Many individuals also
experience “fear of missing out” (FOMO), which intensifies feelings of loneliness and
dissatisfaction (Baker et al., 2016). Instead of offering comfort or community, social media
often triggers stress, making users feel isolated despite being digitally surrounded by
others.
Lastly, excessive social media use reduces the quality of face-to-face interactions. People
may find themselves physically present but mentally distant, checking their phones
instead of engaging with those around them. Turkle (2015) explained that technology
encourages “being alone together,” where individuals are together in the same space but
emotionally disconnected. Over time, this can erode empathy and genuine
communication skills. As users rely more on digital validation, they may lose the ability to
form deep, meaningful relationships. Ironically, the very tool designed to connect us often
leaves us feeling more alone.
In conclusion, while social media offers convenience and connection, it comes with a
heavy emotional price. The constant comparisons, anxiety, and weakened real-world
relationships it fosters cannot be ignored. As society becomes more dependent on
technology, individuals must learn to use social media mindfully—limiting screen time,
engaging with positive content, and prioritizing real-life connections. True well-being
comes not from online approval but from authentic human interaction and self-
acceptance. By recognizing the hidden cost of connection, we can begin to use social
media in ways that support, rather than harm, our mental health.
References (APA 7th Edition)
Baker, D. A., Krieger, H., & LeRoy, A. S. (2016). Fear of missing out: Relationships with
depression, mindfulness, and physical symptoms. Translational Issues in Psychological
Science, 2(3), 275–282. [Link]
Fardouly, J., & Vartanian, L. R. (2016). Social media and body image concerns: Current
research and future directions. Current Opinion in Psychology, 9, 1–5.
[Link]
Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., Colditz, J.
B., Radovic, A., & Miller, E. (2017). Social media use and perceived social isolation among
young adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1–8.
[Link]
Turkle, S. (2015). Reclaiming conversation:
The power of talk in a digital age. Penguin Press.