Blog 17: The Impact of Social Media on Gen Z and Millennials: A Psychological Perspective

The Impact of Social Media on Gen Z and Millennials: A Psychological Perspective

Gen Z and Millennials are often referred to as digital natives, as they have grown up with technology and social media as an integral part of their lives. While these platforms can provide many benefits, such as connecting with friends and family, accessing information, and participating in the wider world, they can also have negative impacts on mental health.

One way that social media can affect mental health is through its impact on self-esteem and body image. Many people use social media as a platform to share pictures and updates about their lives, which can create a distorted view of reality and lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. This can be especially true for young people, who may be more vulnerable to these types of comparisons.

There are a number of psychological theories that can help to explain this impact. One theory is social comparison theory, which suggests that people have a natural tendency to compare themselves to others in order to evaluate their own abilities and opinions. Social media can provide a constant stream of opportunities for comparison, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem if individuals believe that they are not measuring up to the people they see online.

Another theory is self-discrepancy theory, which proposes that people have different self-guides or standards by which they evaluate themselves. Seeing images on social media of people who seem to embody these ideals can lead to feelings of self-discrepancy, or bigger the gap between one's actual self and the ideal self. This can contribute to negative emotions such as anxiety or depression.

In addition to its impact on self-esteem and body image, social media can also contribute to feelings of stress and pressure. The constant stream of notifications and the pressure to maintain an active online presence can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.

It is important for individuals to be aware of these psychological factors and to take steps to protect their own well-being by setting healthy boundaries with social media use, finding ways to cultivate self-acceptance, and seeking support if they are struggling.

Because of the above reasons, there has come a counterpart to the widely known FOMO, called JOMO. After all, who says life is better when you plunge from one adventure into another? For some this will work, but certainly not for all. JOMO stands for "Joy Of Missing Out," which means you enjoy not being there. After all, when you say 'no' to social activities you save time for yourself.

Do you dare to say 'no' several times in the upcoming period? Read a book, enjoy a hot bath or do something else that really energizes you. Good luck!

Sources used:

• "A social comparison theory meta-analysis 60+ years on" (2018), article by Gerber, Wheeler, and Suls in Psychological Bulletin.
• "Joy of Missing Out" (2022), by Babette, (https://liberi.nl/joy-of-missing-out/).

Jurren van der Gun
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