Mental health and social media

Clinical Psychologist and lecturer Dr Thabisa Mabusela sheds light on navigating mental health during these unprecedented times.

Social media addiction. [Image via DigitalVision Vectors/Getty]

By Esihle Faltein

Ironically, for a network designed to bring people closer to one another, spending too much of your time on social media can make one feel lonely and isolated.

Digital media platforms are designed to capture your attention, keep you intrigued, and have you looped into a cycle of having to check for updates. It's one of the many ways big data companies make money. But, much like an addiction to nicotine, alcohol or a gambling compulsion, social media use can create psychological fulfilment. When receiving a favourable reaction from a post such as alike, it may trigger dopamine released in the brain. The "reward" chemical is released when you're eating chocolate, winning the jackpot on a slot machine, or lighting up a cigarette. And so the more you're rewarded, the more time you want to spend on social media, even if it is to your detriment.

The quantity and quality of social relationships we uphold affect our mental health, behaviour, and physical health. The Displacement Behaviour Theory explains why social media shows a connection with one's mental health. According to the theory, people who spend more time in sedentary behaviours such as being on social media have less time for face-to-face social interaction, which have proven to be protective against mental disorders.

When Dr Thabisa Mabusela agreed to be interviewed by me, I was delighted as I knew she was quite a busy woman.

Dr Thabisa is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the HPCSA and a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha. Listed as one of The best 10 Psychological Counseling in Gqeberha 2021 on AfricanAdvance.com, it is evident that Dr Mabusela is one of the most sought after in her field. Her teaching and research areas include Developmental Psychology; Child & Adolescent Mental Health; Child Therapy; Psychometric testing in South Africa; Sexual abuse & Trauma impact; Adoption.

I asked Dr Mabusela what her thoughts were on whether or not there is a link between social media and mental health. She replied by saying, "A link between mental health and social media could either be positive – where people benefit from the information they receive through social media or negative – if they are bombarded by a lot of distressing or overly critical information." Dr Mabusela emphasises that "It is important to note that so far there is no causative relationship between social media and mental health issues as there are lots of other factors that filter into the scenario."

It can become challenging differentiating between what normal behavioural reactions are and the signs of a mental illness. Dr Mabusela cautions that we take note of the following when it comes to mental health, "A change in behaviour, unusual behaviours, deteriorating level of functioning or even a sudden escalation of over excitement in the level of functioning, mood swings, insomnia, hypersomnia, changes in appetite."

A study found that young people who use social media for more than two hours a day are much more likely to categorise their mental health as unhealthy when compared to occasional social media users. Therefore this could be deemed excessive use of social media. "Excessive use would need to be defined. Also, the purpose of that use would have to be explained before one can speculate on this question," she says. Dr Mabusela gives the example of "someone who is marketing their business through social media is likely to benefit from it." She continues by saying, " Someone who frequents social media looking for reassurances, compliments, and validation is likely to be impacted negatively." And she further concludes, "Because one can get all sorts of responses from the media, therefore cannot use social media as a genuine measure or feeder to their self-esteem. Social media can be detrimental in that regard."

When suspecting any indication of being ill, one cannot help but be curious in finding out the cause of the problem. Up to 54% of patients research their symptoms for self-diagnosis. "There is so much information out there people do diagnose themselves already. However, you still need a professional to do the necessary assessment and proper diagnoses," she replies. Dr Mabusela cautions that "The danger is that you could diagnose yourself with something serious when in fact, you might just be going through a normal reaction to something or vice versa. Where you might not take something seriously, only to find out later that you have delayed treatment for something that is potentially very serious if not attended early."

During this time of social distancing and isolation, social media is a vital tool in being in touch with friends, family and the world. And while unreliable and false information about COVID-19 may circulate, it is imperative to follow reputable news sources to avoid panic and anxiety. Being mindful of how this time affects you is also essential in keeping your mental health in check. I asked Dr Mabusela how we can take better care of our mental health during this time. She advises, "Because COVID-19 requires social distancing, we have to find new ways of creating support systems for ourselves. Through telephones, zooming, skyping, observing the regulations if we have to meet face to face, engaging in the usual stress management strategies such as exercise, sleeping well, taking good care of ourselves."