Question 2: Digital Health and Wellness

 

1.      Depression and anxiety

 

In order for human beings to be mentally healthy, they would need contact that is face-to-face. When interaction in the digital world is prioritized over relationships in person, you are more at risk of developing physiological issues such as depression and anxiety (Robsin, 2020).

Example, spending all your time on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook and therefore not having much face-to-face contact with friends/family, hence feeling alone which leads to depression and anxiety

 

 

2.      Cyberbullying

 

Bullying amongst peers is common within schools however this harassment can continue beyond the means of school due to the nature of social media. Cyberbullying can take place anonymously through offensive messages and comments that are created and shared in the digital world (OECD, 2018). 

Example, cyberbullying someone by spreading rumours through a social media platform such as Twitter has negative outcomes as it can lead them to perform suicide attempts.

 

 

3.      Poorer sleep patterns

 

Many people check their social media before going to bed or as soon as they wake up as they have an emotional investment in social media. Poorer sleep is associated with greater social media use at night therefore affecting their wellbeing and mental health (OECD, 2018).

Example, having an increased lack of sleep due to sleep deprivation when playing video games at night that can therefore cause multiple physiological issues that affect your mental wellbeing.

 

4.      Distorting body image

 

Distorting body image amongst individuals is associated with social media usage in the digital world. The promotion of a certain type of body on social media can cause psychological issues such as depression therefore having a harmful impact (OECD, 2018).

Example, scrolling through Instagram and looking at the particular body types being promoted and feeling like you don’t look like them or don’t look good enough, thereby affecting your mental health. The psychological issues can include depression, isolation or suicide attempts due to your body image being distorted as you don’t look like the “Instagram models”.

Reference list:

 

Robsin, L. 2020. Social Media and Mental Health. Help Guide, 12 September 2020. [online]. Available at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm#  [accessed 26 July 2021]

 

OECD. 2018. Children & Young People’s Mental Health in the Digital Age [online]. Available at: https://www.oecd.org/els/health-systems/Children-and-Young-People-Mental-Health-in-the-Digital-Age.pdf  [accessed 26 July 2021]