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Mental Health.
Recently the world seems to become more and more unhinged.
While watching the Columbia University graduation, I observed a graduate who walked up to accept her diploma. She spent four years and $400,000 to earn it, and yet, she tore it into pieces on stage—a gesture that was clearly a call for help. This act, far from being a demonstration of a rebellious spirit, seemed to point to a deeper, more troubling issue. Like many students, she is vulnerable at this age as she seeks out her own identity and purpose, just as we all did. However, her actions suggest that she, and many like her, may be broken. Her act was not one of a clear-headed individual with rational thought; it was either a cry for attention or, more disturbingly, a clear sign of a major mental health crisis that should not go unnoticed.
I have written about mental health before and have tried to use my words to help, but it seems America doesn’t place mental health high on the list of priorities. The US Federal Government appears more concerned with Ukraine’s mental health than our nation’s mental health. It is time for a long and deep look at ourselves as a nation and a people, as we are allowing a massive mental health crisis to unfold, turning into a life-and-death situation for too many people.
It is time to come together to save our nation’s mental health.
In today’s world, where information is omnipresent and digital interactions often replace face-to-face conversations, a growing body of evidence suggests that our collective mental health is at risk. This Mental Health Awareness Month, it is crucial to consider the significant impact of media, social media platforms, and gaming on our well-being. The case for reducing exposure—especially among the youth—to these platforms is becoming increasingly compelling.
Media outlets and social media platforms have evolved into arenas of high emotion rather than spaces of informative discourse. The news cycle, with its constant barrage of crisis and conflict, serves less to inform and more to incite. As a result, many of us find ourselves perpetually on edge, an emotional state that can lead to mental health crises. A study by the University of Pennsylvania found a direct link between high social media use and decreased well-being, noting particularly negative effects on loneliness and depression (Hunt et al., 2018). This suggests a need to reassess our consumption habits.
Furthermore, the nature of content on these platforms—often curated to evoke strong reactions rather than convey balanced viewpoints—exacerbates divisiveness and anxiety. According to Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, a psychologist specializing in the impact of media on mental health, “The news has increasingly become a source of anxiety for many. It’s often presented in a way that triggers fear or aggression, which can have a profound effect on one’s mental health over time.”
The addictive quality of social media can be likened to more traditional vices, with researchers comparing the dopamine response triggered by likes and shares to that induced by substances like alcohol and nicotine (Meshi, et al., 2016). This comparison is particularly alarming considering the unregulated access children and teenagers have to these platforms.
Given these concerns, it is imperative for parents to monitor and control their children’s media consumption. Just as we protect our youth from substances that can cause them harm, limiting access to potentially toxic digital content is a necessary step. Indeed, the suggestion to ban social media access until the age of 21 might seem extreme, but it underscores the urgency of protecting young minds from undue influence and mental strain.
Instead of unrestricted media exposure, families should foster environments that encourage more meaningful interactions and activities that promote mental health. This can include engaging in family dinners without the interference of digital devices—practices that have shown to strengthen family bonds and improve mental well-being (Fulkerson et al., 2006).
Replacing part of our media consumption with content that uplifts or educates, such as nature documentaries or programs about human achievements, can also have a transformative effect on our outlook and mental state. Such content not only educates but often inspires, providing a much-needed respite from the negativity that pervades much of the media landscape.
In conclusion, as we navigate the complexities of the digital age, it becomes crucial to be mindful of the media we consume and its impact on our mental health. Turning off the news when it becomes overwhelming, controlling the digital content accessible to our youth, and prioritizing direct human connections are not just recommendations—they are necessary steps to safeguard our mental well-being. Let us choose to engage with media that enriches our lives and nurtures our spirits, turning the tide on the mental health crisis that looms over our digital society.
