Stress and Social Media

A 2017 report from the American Psychological Association indicates that Millenials (ages 18-34) are reporting more stress related to social media compared to older generations.  The report also indicates that Millenials feel more disconnected from family, even though the family may be together.

This seems to speak to the habits of using devices for communication which decreases interpersonal and face to face communication.  It is in the face to face interactions that more of an emotional connection can be made.  In working with adolescents and young adults, I find that communication is heavily reliant on texting and social media.  I observe that intimate and meaningful conversations occur over text or social media.  In some ways, there is convenience and maybe ease of communication, but in other ways, an intimacy and emotional connection is lost.

It seems to behoove families, parents, and individuals to take notice of these personal habits and find a balance in interactions and communication.  Personal connection is a very strong mediator of stress.  It is important not to become too reliant on technology and devices when what we may need emotionally and psychologically the most is sitting right next to us.

Lastly, I find that parents need to be aware of the communications and interactions that their children are having within the technology and social media realm.  Because children and adolescents are still developing their social understanding and social problem solving skills, steady and supportive adult guidance is needed as many social issues are occurring via social media.

Link to the APA report:

http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/index.aspx#part2