Scroll. Swipe. Type. Repeat.
Social media has become part of our daily routine – most of us (myself included) reach for our phones as soon as we wake up and keep scrolling to the minute we fall asleep. It feels normal, almost automatic. But how often do we pause to consider just how deeply it shapes the way we think, feel, and connect?
While platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, offer spaces to share, learn, and belong, they can also quietly chip away at our self-esteem and mental well-being. So, what exactly is the effect of social media on our mental health?
Scrolling & Comparing
One of the biggest downsides of social media on mental health is how easy it is to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to what we see online, something most of us do without realising. Constantly scrolling through carefully crafted images and reels can lead us to measure our own lives against others’ seemingly perfect lives. And honestly, that comparison can really poke at our self-esteem, leaving us feeling inadequate or like we don’t quite compare. Over time, this can spiral into a cycle of negative self-talk and doubt that takes a toll on our mental health. The good news? Becoming aware of this habit is the first step toward being kinder to ourselves and focusing on our unique path instead.
Swipe, Scroll, Distract
It’s so easy to lose track of time when we’re scrolling, just five more minutes can suddenly turn into an hour. But that endless scroll doesn’t just steal time; it can quietly mess with how we focus, get things done, and even how well we sleep. Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and the pressure to stay “in the loop” can fragment our attention, making it harder to concentrate on tasks or be fully present. This distraction often leads to procrastination and reduced productivity, whether at work, school, or home. On top of that, let’s not forget the late-night scrolling sessions that leave us wide awake when we should be winding down. Over time, all of this can leave us feeling more tired, distracted, and less productive than we’d like. Noticing it is the first step towards putting the phone down and finding a healthier balance.
Connected & Supported
But, social media isn’t all bad. There are some positive effects of social media on our mental health. Social media can bring us into spaces where people share the same struggles, cheer each other on, or simply remind us we’re not the only ones feeling this way. Maybe you come across someone openly sharing their anxiety story, or you see a post that makes you think, “Wow, me too.” You might even get a supportive DM back and suddenly feel less alone. Simply knowing that there’s a supportive community out there can be incredibly reassuring, reminding us that we’re not alone in our experiences, and this sense of connection can have a meaningful impact on our mental well-being.
Professional Guidance & Growth
Social media isn’t just for scrolling past memes and cat videos. Many counsellors and therapists now use it as an extension of the support they offer in person. Beyond promoting their services, they may use it to share helpful tips for managing stress and anxiety, explain common therapy concepts in simple language, and post gentle reminders to check in with yourself. This kind of content helps make therapy feel less intimidating and more approachable, turning social media feeds into small pockets of encouragement and education that people can access anytime they need it. It’s a way for therapists to reach people outside the therapy room and make support feel a bit closer and more accessible. This way, social media can quietly help nurture mental well-being by making support feel closer and easier to reach.
So, is social media good or bad for our mental health? The truth is, it can be a bit of both. The key is about finding a healthier balance. Setting gentle boundaries around screen time, like turning off notifications or choosing phone-free hours, can help us stay present in our offline lives. Updating your feed so it’s filled with content that feels positive, supportive, and inspiring (instead of draining) can make scrolling feel lighter, too. And every now and then, taking a short digital detox, even just for a weekend, can do wonders for your mood and mental clarity. At the end of the day, it’s not about quitting social media entirely, but about using it mindfully so itsupports rather than undermines our well-being.
Founded in Leicester in 2011, Rutland House Counselling and Psychotherapy supports individuals, organisations, and professionals with a wide range of mental health therapeutic services.
For general enquiries or to learn more about RHCP’s psychotherapy support, consultation or training, please contact:
info@rhcp.org.uk
0116 416 1626
www.rhcp.org.uk
Author : Kiran Grewal, DMU Marketing and Social Media Intern
July 2025
