The Psychological Benefits of Social

Media

Photo by Jason Howie

There seems to be a societal tendency to focus on the way social media negatively affects its users …

Photo by Plymouth District Library

But studies have shown that social media has some

positive psychological

benefits as well.

Photo by Tookapic

We use media to meet our individual needs:

Facebook shows us a positive version of

ourselves that boosts our self-esteem.[3]

Photo by Jeshoots

A survey of college students indicated that the heaviest Facebook users

were most satisfied with their lives and exhibited greater

social and political engagement.[8]

Photo by Kaboompics

Certain types of Facebook use allow for students to be better integrated into the college community because Facebook: • Provides a venue for

acquiring information about social events. • Strengthens social ties

with newly introduced classmates.[1]

Photo by Pixabay

Introverted adolescents can

gain social skills by using social media

because shy individuals may feel

safer behind a computer/phone

screen.[5]

Photo by Unsplash

Facebook and related social networking sites allow users to selectively browse through and

reflect on their best moments …[7]

Photo by Picjumbo.com

This reflection can promote

self-affirmation(awareness of

one’s own value).[7]

Photo by Pixabay

Social media has also influenced modern day friendships …

Photo by Rawpixel.com

57% of teens ages 13 to 17 have made a new friend online.[2]

Photo by Stokpic

64% of teens who have made a friend online met him or her via social

media (Facebook or Instagram).[2]

Photo by Stokpic

72% of all teens spend time with friends via social media.[2]

Photo by Stokpic

These social media-focused friendships can

have positive benefits for the individual …

Photo by Creative Vix

83% of teen social media users say social media makes them feel more connected

to information about their friends’ lives.[2]

Photo by Stokpic

68% of teen social media users have had people on the platforms support them

through tough or challenging times.[2]

Photo by Stokpic

Social media can be relied on

as a coping strategy by adolescents

who feel isolated and

alone.[4]

Photo by Jeshoots

In order for social media to benefit us, we need to learn how to use it safely.[4]

Photo by Magicatwork

Some tips for using social media safely and healthily:• Remember that you are the boss of your technology, not the other way around.• Give yourself permission to take a technology break, if needed.• How you use your social media is unique to you and your goals – don’t use others’ behaviour

to determine your own.• Keep a social media diary to track how it makes you feel.[6]

Photo by Pixabay

References1. Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2007). The benefits of Facebook “friends:” Social capital and college

students’ use of online social network sites. Journal of Computer‐Mediated Communication, 12(4), 1143-1168.

2. Lenhart, A. (2015). Teens, technology, and friendships. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/08/06/teens-technology-and-friendships/#

3. Matrix, S. (2017). Media use research part 2 of 2 [Vimeo video]. Retrieved from OnQ course website: https://onq.queensu.ca/d2l/le/content/71613/viewContent/860602/View

4. Payne, E. (2015, Aug 08). Teens' poor mental health linked to social media use. The Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.proxy.queensu.ca/docview/1702249271?accountid=6180

5. Probst, C. (2015). 10 ways social media affects our mental health. Degreed. Retrieved from http://blog.degreed.com/10-ways-social-media-affects-our-mental-health/

6. Rutledge, P.B. (2013). The healthy use of social media. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/positively-media/201310/the-healthy-use-social-media

7. Schacter, H. (2015). Me, myselfie, and I: The psychological impact of social media activity. Psychology in Action. Retrieved from http://www.psychologyinaction.org/2015/09/07/me-myselfie-and-i-the-psychological-impact-of-social-media-activity/

8. Valenzuela, S., Park, N., & Kee, K. F. (2009). Is there social capital in a social network site?: Facebook use and college students’ life satisfaction, trust, and participation. Journal of Computer‐Mediated Communication, 14(4), 875-901.

All images have Creative Commons licenses, sourced from Flickr and Pexels.