Mental Health & Social Media

-Amos Tupopila

Amos Tupopila is a 4th year Nursing and Midwifery student. She is also the SRC for Internal and External Affairs at Welwitchia.

Social media often creates an environment of constant stimulation and pressure. Students are exposed to a continuous stream of curated content, academic achievements, social events, as well lifestyles that can make them feel like they are falling behind. The need to stay relevant, respond quickly, and maintain an online presence can also be overwhelming. Notifications, messages, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) keep the mind in a state of alertness, making it difficult to fully relax. Over time, this can heighten anxiety levels and contribute to chronic stress.

Social media often showcases highlight reels rather than real life. When students compare their everyday realities to others’ seemingly perfect moments, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This constant comparison can distort self-perception, making students undervalue their own progress, appearance, or achievements. Over time, it may erode self-esteem and contribute to negative thought patterns, including the belief that they are not “good enough,” which can impact overall mental well-being.

Students should be mindful of subtle but important changes in their behavior and emotions. These may include feeling anxious or low after scrolling, constantly checking their phones even without notifications, difficulty concentrating on academic tasks, disrupted sleep patterns, or a growing dependence on online validation (likes, comments, shares). Irritability, withdrawal from real-life interactions, and comparing oneself excessively to others are also key warning signs. Recognizing these patterns early is crucial in taking control before they escalate.

A healthier relationship with social media begins with intentional use rather than passive consumption. Students can set boundaries, such as limiting screen time, turning off non-essential notifications, or scheduling specific times to check their accounts. Curating their feeds to follow content that inspires, educates, or uplifts rather than triggers comparison is equally important. Taking regular digital breaks, especially before sleep or during study periods, can help restore balance. Most importantly, maintaining strong offline connections and engaging in real-world activities reminds students that their value extends far beyond the digital space.