Social Media Use and Mental Health Among Young Canadians: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic affected various aspects of life and gave many a break from their regular lifestyles while also creating deep social, economic, political and health issues for people of all ages. As traditional social interactions became restricted due to lockdowns and social distancing measures, social media emerged as a platform for maintaining connections and accessing information/news around the world. However, the increased reliance on social media also brought upon significant concerns regarding its impact on mental health. This report aims to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health among young people in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, to understand the dual role of social media as a communication tool but also a potential source of psychological stress. By examining existing research and data, this report seeks to provide insights into how social media influenced mental health outcomes in the context of the unprecedented global disruption.
According to the Canadian Internet Use Survey, conducted from November 2020 to March 2021, 75% of Canadians aged 15 and older engaged in various Internet-related activities more frequently since the start of the pandemic (Government of Canada, 2021). Additionally, nearly half (48%) of Canadians reported trying at least one new Internet-related activity for the first time during the pandemic. The trend of increased online participation was particularly notable among younger Canadians. Over 90% of those aged 15 to 34 indicated that they had increased their online activities during this period.
In today’s digital age, social media use has been at an all time high with the release of new features that have been designed to foster an addiction. Past lawsuits have revealed that some social media employees, such as those at Meta, have been aware of the harmful effects of social media on youth and children but disposed of evidence as it would have potentially negated their popularity as a platform (Rosenblatt, 2023). Social media platforms exploit the users’ psychological desires and tendencies, such as social validation, which makes youth a prime target as they go through a period of identity development during the ages of 13-17 (Ebrahim, 2023). Another feature most platforms have maintained is the absence of any stop indicators that reminds the user to put their phone down. This design has enabled endless scrolling and provided many young individuals a sense of escape from their reality, especially during the lockdown period as it was their main source of entertainment. The prefrontal cortex, the part of our brain responsible for assessing risky but rewarding activities, does not fully mature until our 30s. Since this brain area is not yet fully developed in children and teens, it may impact their ability to regulate scrolling behaviors and manage emotional responses (Duerden, and Kent, 2024). Peer Influence also plays a major role as young people shape trends and influence each other’s behavior online, while also being very adaptable as they quickly adopt new technologies and platforms that make them more attractive.
The surge in social media usage among young people (aged 13-24) highlights its importance in their daily lives, especially during the isolation of the pandemic. Social media became a lifeline for social interaction, entertainment, and information, but it also presented challenges. Concerns about the impact of excessive screen time, exposure to misinformation, and the potential for increased anxiety and depression were prevalent. This paper aims to explore these issues, providing insights into the complex role of social media during a time of global crisis and its lasting effects on the mental health of young Canadians.
During the pandemic, there was an increased reliance on social media to remain connected with others, that didn’t require physical presence. As lockdowns and social distancing measures limited in-person interactions, people turned to digital platforms to maintain their social connections and support networks (Kim et al., 2023). Simultaneously, studies and research across Canada has shown that during this time of heightened stress and increased screen time, mental health issues exacerbated tremendously. One such example of a cross-sectional study conducted by Kim et al. (2023) found that frequent social media use was positively associated with COVID-19-related anxiety, and was at its peak in late spring 2021, during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when provincial mandates were at their strictest. They also found that increased daily screen time during the pandemic was linked to lifestyle disruptions, including reduced physical activity, which exacerbated mental health outcomes (Kim et al., 2023). Another study investigating the relationship between screen time and mental health outcomes among youth, found that compared to those with lower screen times, those with higher screen times experienced greater mental health symptoms such as irritability, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. (Li et al., 2021). A qualitative study investigating adolescents’ emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed three relevant themes related to their feelings: socio-spatial and temporal disconnections, the emotional toll of the pandemic, and positive experiences amid the pandemic (Ferguson et al., 2021).
Popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok saw a significant increase in user activity (Ebrahim, 2023). Facebook became a hub for family and community groups, Instagram offered a visual and interactive way to share experiences, and TikTok provided a creative outlet for short videos and trends that kept users entertained and connected. These platforms facilitated various forms of social interaction, catering to different preferences and needs. Messaging apps allowed for private conversations, while video calls enabled face-to-face interactions despite physical separation. Additionally, live-streaming and virtual events offered ways for users to participate in shared experiences, further bridging the gap created by social distancing. While social media played a huge role in bridging the connection amongst people as they physically isolated themselves, it also created many challenges and altered coping mechanisms against stressors in young people’s lives. A study identified two major themes within the category of coping strategies used during the pandemic; connecting online, and engaging in leisure and health-promoting activities (Ferguson et al., 2021).This suggests that young people relied on digital interactions to maintain physical and mental well-being to navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
With the nature of the pandemic that imposed physical restrictions on socializing, most youth heavily relied on social media to maintain their friendships when going months without seeing each other. This is reflected in the greater usage of social media as mentioned in the earlier passage, and when asked, users unanimously agreed that it was an accessible outlet to relieve stress of the unprecedented times (Ferguson et al., 2021). This underscores a significant barrier during the pandemic, where individuals heavily relied on social media as their primary means of relieving stress. Many were unaware of alternative support networks and coping strategies, leading to a narrow focus on online interactions for emotional support. This overreliance on social media may have limited their access to other beneficial resources and activities that could have helped alleviate stress during this challenging period.
Although we are in a post-pandemic lockdown period, many of the social media usage patterns continue to exist today. A recent study evaluating the correlation between depression levels and social media usage among first-year university students found no differences in depressive symptoms and problematic internet use during the pandemic and the present (Banner, 2023). The article suggests that the lack of difference may be due to people still recovering from the pandemic and facing challenges as they work to re-engage in face-to-face interactions.
In recognizing these significant obstacles that enabled the reliance on social media for youth, it is imperative that interventions or programs are developed that address their needs. To address the complex challenges associated with technology use among children and adolescents, several programs should be developed. First, it is essential to establish age-appropriate health and safety standards for technology platforms, which would ensure that technology is suitable and safe for different developmental stages (OSG, 2023). Moreover, features designed to maximize time and engagement should be limited, and tools that support healthy development activities, like sleep, should be developed. Regular assessments and risk mitigation measures are also crucial to protect children and adolescents effectively, which also involves clear guidelines and open conversations with individuals about the boundaries of social media usages and the consequences of excessive screen time (Duerden, and Kent, 2024). Moreover, policymakers should consider developing and enforcing regulations that protect youth from the negative effects of social media, such as limiting targeted advertising and ensuring platforms implement features that promote well-being, like screen time reminders and content filters. By addressing the root causes of social media reliance and promoting healthier habits, we can help mitigate the adverse effects on youth and support their overall development and well-being.
References:
Banner, A. (2023). Adjustment and Social Media Use During and After the COVID-19 Adjustment and Social Media Use During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic Pandemic. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1799&context=honors
Duerden, E., & Kent, M. (2024). Expert insight: Excessive social media use worsened adolescent mental health during COVID-19. Western News. https://news.westernu.ca/2024/01/expert-insight-excessive-social-media-use-worsened-adolescent-mental-health-during-covid-19/
Ebrahim, F. (2023). THE DARK SIDE OF SOCIAL MEDIA: WHY IS SOCIAL MEDIA SO ADDICTIVE? https://jyx.jyu.fi/bitstream/handle/123456789/86827/1/URN%3ANBN%3Afi%3Ajyu-202305092910.pdf
Ferguson, K. N., Coen, S. E., Tobin, D., Martin, G., Seabrook, J. A., & Gilliland, J. A. (2021). The mental well-being and coping strategies of Canadian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative, cross-sectional study. CMAJ open, 9(4), E1013–E1020. https://doi.org/10.9778/cmajo.20210042
Government of Canada, S. C. (2021, June 24). Internet use and COVID-19: How the pandemic increased the amount of time Canadians spend online. Www150.Statcan.gc.ca. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-28-0001/2021001/article/00027-eng.htm
Kim, S., Belfry, K. D., Crawford, J., MacDougall, A., & Kolla, N. J. (2023). COVID-19-related anxiety and the role of social media among Canadian youth. Frontiers in psychiatry, 14, 1029082. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1029082
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Office of the Surgeon General (OSG). Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory [Internet]. Washington (DC): US Department of Health and Human Services; 2023. We Must Take Action: A Way Forward. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594760/
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