Social media addiction - the 'damaging, negative impact' | ITV News

ITV News

21 Jan 201904:38

Summary

TLDRIn this insightful discussion, a group of young individuals from various backgrounds and professions share their perspectives on the rising mental health issues among millennials and Gen Z. They explore the impact of social media, societal pressures, and the struggle to balance multiple responsibilities. The conversation delves into the accessibility and affordability of mental health care, the cultural stigmas surrounding it, and the importance of addressing mental health from a young age. The participants also critique the media's portrayal of mental health, emphasizing the need for a more empathetic and accurate representation.

Takeaways

🌐 The script discusses the increased visibility and discussion of mental health issues among young people, particularly millennials and Gen Z.
📱 The impact of technology and social media is highlighted as a factor contributing to mental health pressures, with the ease of comparison to others' lives.
🏫 The script mentions the academic pressures faced by students, with some dropping out due to mental health conditions, indicating the stress in educational environments.
💊 Financial struggles are noted as a barrier to accessing mental health care, with the cost of medication being a specific concern.
🤔 There's a debate about whether the societal expectations to excel in multiple areas simultaneously contribute to mental health issues.
🍽️ The script uses the metaphor of needing to make every activity 'Instagram-worthy' to illustrate the pressure to perform and share life events on social media.
💬 The conversation touches on the lack of immediate professional help for mental health issues, with long waiting lists for therapy being a common issue.
🌍 Cultural differences in addressing mental health are mentioned, with some communities relying more on prayer and less on professional care.
🏥 The script points out the lack of appropriate facilities for mental health care, comparing it to physical health care where there are clear pathways.
📸 There's criticism of the way mental health is sometimes portrayed in the media, questioning whether it's for entertainment or genuine support.
🤝 The participants in the script agree that while mental health is being talked about more, there's still a need to ensure the conversation is constructive and helpful.

Q & A

What is the general consensus among the participants about the prevalence of mental health issues among young people today?
-The participants believe that mental health issues have always been present but are now more openly discussed and recognized. They suggest that the pressures and societal expectations have changed over time, leading to increased visibility and reporting of mental health problems.
How does technology impact the mental health of young people according to the discussion?
-The participants suggest that technology, particularly social media, contributes to mental health issues by enabling constant comparison with others' lives and promoting an 'all-at-once' mentality, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress.
What is the role of educational institutions in the mental health struggles faced by students, as mentioned in the transcript?
-The transcript indicates that the stress of academic life can lead to mental health issues, with one participant mentioning that over half of their cohort dropped out due to mental health conditions.
How do societal expectations and social media influence the perception of success and self-worth among young people?
-The participants discuss that societal expectations and social media create a pressure to excel in all aspects of life, leading to a fear of missing out and a need for validation through likes and shares on social media.
What challenges do young people face in accessing mental health care and treatment, as discussed in the transcript?
-The transcript highlights issues such as long waiting lists for therapy, the financial burden of prescriptions, and the lack of immediate help for those in non-crisis situations.
How do cultural factors influence the perception and treatment of mental health issues?
-The participants mention that in some African and Eastern cultures, mental health issues are not well understood and are often addressed through prayer or religious means, rather than seeking professional help.
What is the impact of financial constraints on individuals' ability to maintain their mental health treatment?
-One participant shares that they have not taken their antidepressants for about two years due to financial constraints, choosing to prioritize other bills over their medication.
How does the media's portrayal of mental health contribute to public understanding and misconceptions?
-The transcript suggests that the media often uses imagery that may be sensationalized or stigmatizing, such as pictures of people holding their heads in distress, which may not always contribute positively to the understanding of mental health.
What are the participants' views on the necessity of professional care for mental health issues, as opposed to relying solely on religious or spiritual practices?
-While acknowledging that religion can provide comfort to some, the participants emphasize the need for professional care in addressing mental health issues, suggesting that prayer alone is not a sufficient solution.
How do the participants perceive the societal pressure to constantly perform and achieve, and how does this affect mental health?
-The participants feel that there is an expectation to excel in every aspect of life, which can lead to stress and mental health issues, especially when individuals feel they are not living up to these expectations.
What insights do the participants offer regarding the early onset of mental health issues and the importance of addressing them in schools?
-The transcript indicates that mental health issues can start early in life, with the participants discussing the need for awareness and support in schools to help young people cope with the pressures they face.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 Millennial Mental Health Concerns

The video script begins with introductions of several young individuals, each identifying their age, occupation, and field of study. The main topic of discussion is the increased prevalence of mental health issues among millennials and younger generations. The participants share their thoughts on why this might be happening, suggesting factors such as increased societal pressures, the impact of technology and social media, and the constant comparison with others. They also touch on the expectations placed on young people to excel in multiple areas of life simultaneously, which can lead to stress and mental health challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of discussing mental health openly and the need for better support systems.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Mental Health

Mental health refers to an individual's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is the state in which a person can realize their full potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community. In the video's theme, mental health is a central issue, with the participants discussing the prevalence of mental health problems among young people and the societal pressures that contribute to these issues. For example, one participant mentions the high dropout rate at university due to mental health conditions.

💡Millennials

Millennials are the generation born between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s to early 2000s. The script discusses how this generation, along with those just entering their 20s, are facing more mental health problems than any previous generation. The participants consider the unique pressures and expectations placed on millennials, such as the impact of technology and societal expectations, which may contribute to mental health challenges.

💡Technological Change

Technological change refers to the advancements and innovations in technology that have transformed the way people live and communicate. In the context of the video, it is suggested that the rapid pace of technological change, particularly in social media, has led to increased comparison and pressure among young people, which may exacerbate mental health issues. The script mentions how the 'flip of a screen' allows for instant comparison, leading to feelings of inadequacy or the need to 'max out on everything'.

💡Social Media

Social media are web-based platforms that allow people to create and share content or participate in social networking. The script highlights the role of social media in promoting unrealistic expectations and pressures to perform and present an idealized version of life. It is suggested that social media contributes to mental health issues by creating a culture where people feel the need to constantly validate their experiences and achievements for public approval.

💡Pressure to Succeed

Pressure to succeed refers to the stress and expectations individuals feel to achieve success in various aspects of life, such as education, career, and social status. In the video, participants discuss the immense pressure they face to excel academically and professionally, which can lead to stress and mental health problems. The script illustrates this with examples of students dropping out of university due to the stress and the societal expectation to pursue certain paths despite personal desires.

💡Mental Health Services

Mental health services are organizations and programs that provide support and treatment for individuals with mental health issues. The script raises concerns about the accessibility and adequacy of mental health services, with participants discussing long waiting lists for therapy and the difficulty of obtaining necessary medications due to financial constraints. The script also mentions the lack of specialized care for children with mental health issues.

💡Cultural Perceptions

Cultural perceptions refer to the attitudes and beliefs about mental health that are shaped by cultural and societal norms. The video script touches on how different cultures may view mental health issues, with some cultures, particularly those in Africa and the East, being less accepting or understanding of mental health problems. This can lead to a reluctance to seek professional help and a preference for religious or traditional remedies.

💡Stigma

Stigma refers to the negative attitudes and discrimination associated with a particular condition or group of people. In the context of the video, stigma is associated with mental health issues, where there is a societal reluctance to openly discuss or seek help for these problems. The script points out that the imagery and portrayal of mental health in the media can sometimes perpetuate stereotypes and contribute to the stigma.

💡Affordability

Affordability in the context of the video refers to the financial accessibility of mental health treatment and medication. One participant shares their personal experience of not being able to afford antidepressants due to other financial obligations, highlighting the issue of financial barriers to mental health care. This underscores the need for more affordable options and support for those struggling with mental health issues.

💡Self-Care

Self-care is the practice of taking actions to maintain or improve one's own health and well-being, particularly when facing mental health challenges. The script suggests that societal pressures can sometimes hinder self-care, as individuals may feel compelled to prioritize external expectations over their own mental health needs. The discussion around the pressures to perform and the difficulty of balancing self-care with financial responsibilities exemplifies this concept.

💡Media Representation

Media representation refers to how issues, including mental health, are portrayed in various forms of media. The video script critiques the way mental health is depicted in the media, suggesting that it can sometimes be sensationalized or used for entertainment rather than being a genuine attempt to raise awareness or provide support. The participants express concern about the potential negative impact of such portrayals on public understanding and the stigma surrounding mental health.

Highlights

Different generations are facing mental health issues, with the current generation being more open about it.

Technological changes have increased the pressure to compare oneself to others through social media.

The pressure to succeed academically has led to high dropout rates due to mental health conditions.

Expectations to excel in all areas of life can lead to stress and feelings of inadequacy.

Social media promotes the idea of maximizing every activity, adding to the pressure to perform.

The ease of swiping left or right on dating apps like Tinder can create a mindset of always seeking something better.

Financial struggles can interfere with mental health treatment, as seen with the cost of antidepressants.

Waiting lists for therapy can be lengthy, delaying access to long-term mental health support.

Mental health issues are prevalent among children, with a lack of appropriate facilities for treatment.

In some cultures, mental health is misunderstood and not openly discussed, leading to reliance on prayer or religion instead of professional help.

The media's portrayal of mental health often focuses on imagery that may be sensationalized rather than informative.

There is a debate on whether the media's depiction of mental health is helpful or merely entertaining.

The importance of professional care in mental health is emphasized, as opposed to relying solely on religious or cultural practices.

The discussion highlights the need for better understanding and more effective support systems for mental health.

The transcript suggests that societal expectations and the influence of technology contribute to the mental health challenges faced by young people.

The conversation underscores the complexity of addressing mental health, including the role of education, culture, and accessibility to care.