U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, recently issued an advisory about the growing evidence of social media’s negative effects on children and adolescents’ mental health and well-being. Bob Booth, the chief care officer at TimelyCare (Photo: TimelyCare) Citing numerous research studies, the advisory links excessive social media exposure to double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety. These hugely popular apps, however, are only one of many mental health risks that Murthy warns about. Children, adolescents and college students have everyday pressures such as relationships, academics, athletic performance, bullying and even basic needs. As they age, adolescents and young adults are more exposed to larger societal issues like mass shootings, global conflict and economic uncertainty, which can also worsen mental health. A combination of these factors is likely why m ore than three-quarters (77%) of college students we surveyed in May reported that they have a friend who is experiencing mental health challenges or issues. Young people have always experienced depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and other related conditions. Yet what previous generations did not have in their time were smartphones and the Internet, given that Gen Z members likely received their […]
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