Emotional Health in the Social Media Era

Emotional Health and the Intersection of Social Media

1. Emotional health has become a complex and multifaceted issue in the context of social media. Best (2014) and Wood (2016) both highlight the potential for both positive and negative impacts of social media on emotional well-being. Sadagheyani (2020) further accentuates this duality. No doubt, social media can provide emotional support and community building but at the same time, it has the potential to contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Choudhury (2014) adds to this discussion by exploring the role of social media in mental health discourse. Anonymity on platforms like Reddit can facilitate open conversations and gather more emotionally engaging feedback.

Understanding the Social Media Impact on Emotional Health

2. Research consistently shows that social media use can have both positive and negative effects on emotional health. On the positive side, it can provide emotional support, community building, and access to health information (Sadagheyani, 2020). However, it can also lead to negative outcomes such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and poor sleep quality (Iwamoto, 2020; Walton, 2022). Excessive time on social media has been linked to a decline in emotional well-being and the quality of relationships (Christensen, 2018). Social media can offer benefits but it is important to be mindful of its potential negative impact on emotional health.

Strategies for Cultivating Digital Emotional Wellness

3. Research suggests that cultivating digital emotional wellness involves navigating digital life and making mindful decisions (Feerrar, 2020). Digital technology can support the development of wellbeing skills, particularly for at-need groups (Slovák, 2015). Inclusive design is crucial for promoting digital wellbeing by considering diverse socio-emotional characteristics (Al-Mansoori, 2021). A digital coach, such as ERICA, can effectively promote emotion regulation skills and support mental health and wellbeing (Hopman, 2023).

Integrating Emotional Health Practices into Social Media Usage

4. Research has shown that the emotional connection to social media use can have both positive and negative effects on health outcomes (Bekalu, 2019). Social media can be a powerful tool for promoting holistic self-participatory care, particularly when integrated with real-world encounters (Miron-Shatz, 2013). It can also be used to analyze and support lifestyle behavior through affective states in social interactions (Breda, 2012). Furthermore, the emotional analysis of social media content can be used to predict mental health issues, such as depression (Wang, 2022).

Addressing Stigma and Promoting Positive Discourse

5. Research on addressing stigma and promoting positive discourse highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for multi-level interventions. Henderson (2018) emphasizes the need for sustained efforts at the structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal levels. Knifton (2009) accentuates the value of community-led approaches that consider diverse cultural understandings of mental health. Shih (2004) and Arboleda-flórez (2012) both emphasize the importance of empowerment and human rights in overcoming stigma. Arboleda-flórez has also suggested a range of approaches including education, protest, contact-based education, legislative reform, advocacy, and stigma self-management. These studies collectively underscore the need for a comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and empowering approach to addressing stigma and promoting positive discourse.

Conclusion

10. The social media and emotional health landscape is complex and multifaceted. These studies collectively underscore the need for a balanced approach to understanding and managing emotional health by making positive use of social media. Chen (2022) found that emotion-expressing messages are more likely to be shared on social media. These messages can be particularly shared on non-Twitter platforms while expressing positive emotions. Olorunsogo (2024) highlighted the nuanced impact of social media on mental health. Remember, Social media has both positive and negative effects across different age groups.