Jas Hundal shares her perspective on the impact of social media on individuals’ mental health. With two decades of experience as a mental health professional, Jas provides insight on how social media can be helpful, and have the potential to perpetuate harm.
In today’s world, social media influencers have become an undeniable force, shaping trends, opinions, and the daily lives of millions. From beauty gurus to life coaches, influencers dominate the digital space, attracting followers who tune in for advice, and inspiration. But while influencers can impact our lives in a positive way, it’s important to look at how their presence on social media can affect our mental health—both positively and negatively.
The Rise of Social Media Influencers
Influencers have found success by sharing parts of their lives, curating content, and building a personal connection with their audience. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter have made it easier for people to gain widespread popularity. Many influencers become role models for their followers, whose admiration can lead to a sense of connection.
However, with this influence comes responsibility. The impact influencers have on their audiences isn’t always as positive as it may seem at first glance.
The Positive Side: Inspiration, Empowerment, and Community
There’s no denying that social media influencers can foster a sense of community and offer mental health benefits when used in healthy doses.
- Motivation and Inspiration: Influencers who promote self-care, body positivity, or mental health awareness can inspire followers to make positive changes. Whether it’s a fitness influencer encouraging healthy habits or a mental health advocate sharing their journey, influencers can be a source of motivation that leads to better self-care practices.
- Support and Connection: Many influencers openly discuss their struggles, whether it’s with anxiety, depression, or burnout. This openness creates a space where people feel less alone in their own struggles. The feeling of belonging can make a difference in how individuals approach their own mental health.
- Education and Awareness: Influencers often use their platforms to share helpful advice and resources about mental health. For example, some may speak about their therapy experiences or share tips on mindfulness and stress management, helping their followers navigate challenges they might face.
The Negative Side: Pressure, Unrealistic Expectations, and Comparison
On the flip side, social media influencers can sometimes contribute to harmful mental health trends, leading to feelings of inadequacy, stress, or even anxiety.
- The Pressure of Perfection: Many influencers curate their content to show only the highlights of their lives— picture-perfect homes, flawless appearances. This often creates an unrealistic standard that others may feel pressured to live up to. For followers, constantly comparing their everyday reality to the edited versions of an influencer’s life can lead to feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction.
- Influencer Culture and Mental Health Disorders: Influencers often experience pressures themselves, whether it’s maintaining a certain image, managing their brand, or meeting audience expectations. For their followers, this pressure can feel contagious. The obsession with social validation—gaining likes, comments, or followers—can perpetuate a cycle of self-worth tied to online approval. This can worsen feelings of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem in both influencers and their audience.
- Perpetuating Harmful Trends: Unfortunately, not all influencer content is healthy or positive. Some influencers promote unrealistic beauty standards, diet fads, or toxic productivity trends.
Navigating the Influence: Finding a Healthy Balance
While the impact of social media influencers on mental health can be profound, the key lies in how we consume content and how we set boundaries in our digital lives.
- Be Critical of What You See: Understand that what influencers post is often a curated, edited version of their lives. It’s important to maintain a critical mindset when viewing content and recognize that the “perfect” lives portrayed online don’t reflect the full, unfiltered reality.
- Take Breaks from Social Media: Constantly being immersed in the world of influencers can sometimes become overwhelming. Taking regular breaks from social media, whether it’s for a day or a longer period to give your mind a much-needed rest.
- Engage in Real-World Connections: While online communities can be supportive, nothing beats face-to-face interactions. Engaging with friends, family, or a counsellor in real life can help provide a much-needed grounding that online connections sometimes lack.
- Promote Mental Health Awareness: Follow influencers who actively promote mental health awareness and encourage others to seek help when needed. Influencers who advocate for seeking therapy, practicing mindfulness, and sharing vulnerability can help break down the stigma around mental health.
Social media influencers have undoubtedly changed the way we connect, communicate, and consume content. Their reach and influence have the power to either positively or negatively affect the mental well-being of their followers. While many influencers foster a sense of community, support, and inspiration, others can unintentionally promote unrealistic standards or harmful behaviors. As influencers continue to play an important role in our lives, it’s up to both creators and consumers to be conscious of how this powerful tool shapes our emotions and well-being.
At Hundal Counselling Centre we understand the importance of both online and offline support. Our team of experienced professionals offers counseling services that are compassionate, and evidence-based to help individuals navigate their unique mental health needs.
Take the first step toward better mental health today by connecting with one of our counsellors.