The Rise in Mental Health in Young Adults- Social Media

The rise in mental health is at an all time high worldwide, specifically social media in young adults. According to (Rosenberg, 2019), mental health in young adults has continued to increase over the years between the years 2008 and 2021, there has been a significant and largest increase in the younger adults population by 71%. Contributing factors that play a critical part in the rise of mental health in young adults are social media, physical appearance, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide, bipolar disorder, and panic disorder. 
According to (Charmaraman, 2021), the solid links and connections between social media and risk increased are suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and the experience and perception created to young adults about the inadequacy in their lives or the lack thereof. The increase in utilization of social media contributes to delayed and distrusted sleep and sleeping patterns, memory loss, and academic decrease performance. Insecurities and low-self esteem are also present because of increased body image inadequacy for both girls and boys due to social media.
According to (Allcott et al., 2020), associated studies link to the time spent on social media and the number of utilized social media platforms used associated with anxiety and depression. I believe perception is critical for young adults as they can easily be impressionable into thinking they need to look a certain way, obtain particular and trendy  material items, maintain a luxurious lifestyle, etc. are deemed as goals; therefore, it starts to interfere with their mood, emotions,insecurities, body image, eating, and time spent on social media. Another critical factor in young adults is FOMO, aka the fear of missing out. From the minute waking up, phones are glued to their hands no matter the time, day, or occasion. This habit and behavior interferes with the lack of sleep, not perform well at work, school, and lack engage in important family, friends, and social functions. 

In order to bring attention to social change to social media in the rise of mental health in young adults behaviors that negatively affects society, as well as face and contract the social issues and problems, you have to go out and be proactive and present. Awareness is key. Accountability is necessary. Conversations must happen. Based on my academic background and knowledge, I can contribute based on evidence-based research by being active in the solution and experiencing them with understanding and adding to the cause. Researchers that advocate  to social change utilizes their academic background, experience, and expertise can effectively contribute positively in the fight against social change both individually and socially.

In today's time, social media and technology isn’t going anywhere anytime soon; therefore, it is imperative to advocate for social change for young adults and generations to come that will likely affect just as much or, if not more. Since the rise in young adults' mental health and the struggles faced due to social media, social change is necessary to help our youth's mental health. Bringing awareness, advocating for change, self-empowerment, and how they see themselves, function, and operate from a mental, emotional, physical aspect to have a successful, prosperous life can all positively attribute to the rise of young adults mental health. 

Reference

Rosenburg, J. (2019). Mental Health Issues On the Rise Among Adolescents, Young Adults.

American Psychological Association. (2019, March 14). Mental health issues increased significantly in young adults over last decade. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2019/03/mental-health-adults

Charmaraman, Linda. “Speaking of Psychology: How Social Media Affects Teens' Mental Health and Well-Being, with Linda Charmaraman, Phd.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, Nov. 2021, https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/social-media-teens.

Allcott, H., Braghieri, L., Eichmeyer, S., & Gentzkow, M. (2020). The welfare effects of social media. American Economic Review, 2020; 110(3), 629-76.

Walden University (2021). Social change. https://www.waldenu.edu.