Social media can be a powerful tool for understanding current events, sharing our lives with loved ones, and connecting around ideas. But there’s no denying that it can also have an extremely detrimental impact on mental health—particularly anxiety. The profound cultural influence of social media can be even more pronounced during an election season when the influx of election-related content and misinformation reaches its peak.
At Columbia Associates, we recognize the effects that social media can have on mental well-being. Our team offers comprehensive anxiety treatment services to help individuals navigate what can feel like a never-ending influx of bad news. If you or a loved one is living with anxiety, call 703.682.8208. Columbia Associates can help you navigate this season and beyond.
How Does Social Media Impact Anxiety During Election Season?
Social media feeds are highly curated content showcasing an idealized version of people’s lives, causing individuals to compare against a skewed perspective. This can lead to deep feelings of inadequacy or never measuring up to a standard that may not even exist in reality. In addition, the sheer volume of information that social media allows users to consume on a daily basis makes it easy to see how people become overwhelmed without even realizing where their feelings of unease or anxiety come from. During an election year, these feelings can become more acute:
Social Media and Political Pressure
Once an election cycle begins, the onslaught of information from various sources—both credible and non-credible—is constant. A phenomenon that results from this particular period of time is the pressure to conform to certain political stances or be actively involved in political discussions or activism. What people can view as the expectation for their participation in social participation can contribute to heightened stress and anxiety. Fear of missing out (FOMO) on key discussions or events can further exacerbate these feelings.
Negative Interactions and Cyberbullying in an Election Year
The anonymity provided by social media can embolden individuals to say things they normally wouldn’t or engage in aggressive behavior. This happens regularly even outside of an election year. So, once an election season is underway, the increased tension, strong opinions, and heated debates create even more of an opportunity for cyberbullying or frequent negative interactions. Participating in these types of conversations for any amount of time can significantly impact mental health.
Disruption of Sleep Patterns
Excessive use of social media, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns. Blue light exposure—like that emanating from our phones or other devices—significantly reduces our quality of sleep by creating confusion in the brain. The hormones needed to foster sleep decrease in order to help individuals wake up to what the brain believes to be daylight.1 With many people using their evening hours to catch up on social media, election-related content makes it even more difficult to put phones or tablets down and get restful sleep. Quality sleep can be a powerful tool in decreasing symptoms of anxiety.
Whether you find yourself pressured to say or post something that rightly aligns with a specific political or friend group, or you’re struggling with sleep, it’s important to understand that the impact of social media on anxiety is not benign. Finding the right balance of information for you during an election season will help protect your mental health.
Misinformation Can Increase Anxiety During Election Season
Another aspect of election season anxiety is the proliferation of misinformation. Fearmongering can be used by political parties and media outlets alike to drive engagement for online news articles and social media posts. Here are a few things to consider as you scroll:
- The prevalence of misinformation – Misinformation reaches new heights during an election. False information about candidates, policies, and election results can spread rapidly, leading to confusion and increased anxiety among users.
- Impact on mental health – Misinformation can cause fear, panic, and uncertainty. Certain claims can lead to widespread concern, increasing anxiety levels across the population. The barrage of conflicting information makes it challenging for individuals to discern what is true, which exacerbates anxiety.
- Examples of election-related misinformation – Common types of misinformation during election season include exaggerated claims about candidates, false polling data, and misleading information about voting procedures.
Misinformation can create a sense of chaos and instability, contributing to heightened stress and anxiety. When misinformation is added to the expansive volume of information available on social media, it becomes exceedingly difficult for users to distinguish between credible and false sources. This constant state of uncertainty can lead to increased stress and anxiety as individuals struggle to find reliable information.
Tips for Creating Good Social Media Boundaries During Election Season
1. Set Specific Times for Social Media Use
One effective way to manage social media use is to set specific times for checking social media platforms. Avoiding constant exposure to election-related content can help reduce anxiety. Designate certain times of the day for social media use and stick to this schedule.
2. Curate Your Feed
Take control of your social media feed by following positive and supportive accounts. Unfollow or mute accounts that frequently share stressful or anxiety-inducing content. Curating your feed can create a more positive online environment and reduce anxiety.
3. Take Regular Breaks
Regular breaks from social media are crucial, especially during election season. Engage in offline activities like reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones. These breaks can help you recharge and reduce the overall impact of social media on your mental health.
4. Use Privacy Settings
Ensure that your privacy settings are configured to limit interactions with unknown individuals. This can help protect your mental well-being by reducing the likelihood of negative interactions and cyberbullying.
Remember that you are not beholden to your phone and are not responsible for responding in a way that satisfies people online. Protect yourself from the impact of social media by proactively taking these steps. Make your mental health the biggest priority this election season and otherwise.
Contact Columbia Associates Today for Anxiety Treatment
If the impact of social media, misinformation, and fearmongering during election season becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Columbia Associates offers a range of services designed to support mental health and well-being. Hear more about our anxiety treatment services by calling 703.682.8208 or submitting our online contact form, and a member of our compassionate team will reach out to you.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
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