Isolated or Connected?
How social media is shaping U-M freshmen’s mental health
—By Rejoana Evana
As she sat in her dorm dining hall, scrolling through Instagram and TikTok, Sarah, an anonymous freshman at U-M majoring in Public Health, couldn’t help but feel a sense of pressure wash over her. The seemingly perfect lives of her peers, the endless stream of comments and likes, and the constant pressure to present a flawless online persona had become overwhelming. She was not alone; millions of young adults like Sarah are navigating the complex landscape of social media, where the lines between reality and curated perfection are blurred. For Sarah and many others, this digital world has become a double-edged sword—offering connection and community on one hand, but fueling anxiety and self-doubt on the other.
The rise of social media has profoundly impacted the mental health of young adults, with online platforms like Instagram and TikTok playing a significant role in this trend. Social media’s impact on young adults is complex and multifaceted, offering both benefits and drawbacks. Studies by Orben and Przybylski have consistently shown that excessive social media use is linked to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, inadequate sleep, low self-esteem, and poor body image among adolescents. On the other hand, platforms like Instagram and TikTok provide valuable opportunities for self-expression, social connection, and access to diverse perspectives and educational content. Ericka Williams, MPH, Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health at Michigan Medicine, says, “Although social media can cause stress from social comparison, it also allows for a discovery of safe online communities and encourages empowerment.”
Key influences on mental well-being
External factors intersect with social media use, influencing an individual’s mental health. According to a Frontiers in Psychology journal in a conceptual analysis article titled “The Effect of Social Media on Student Development,” Miao Chen, a doctoral student in China, says, “Strategic use of social media or its addictive use by students can direct them toward either positive experiences like enjoyment or negative ones such as anxiety and depression.” Environmental factors within the digital world, such as social comparison and peer influence, can contribute to both psychological pressures and positive experiences. Social comparison, where individuals evaluate themselves against others based on what they see online, leads to feelings of inadequacy or lower self-esteem. Psychological factors such as self esteem and rumination on media caused by Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) or validation while navigating online streams can take a toll on one’s mental health.
David, an anonymous freshman at U-M majoring in Computer Science, says, “It’s like I’m constantly checking notifications and losing track of time to present this perfect, put-together version of myself when I should be doing assignments or studying.” Young adults try to avoid being negatively impacted by social media while navigating college life. However, due to social comparison or cyberbullying anxiety, depression, and social isolation inevitably impact mental health negatively. Some symptoms of poor mental health, like feelings of sadness or isolation, might drive students to use social media more, which in turn shapes how they engage with content online. Dr. Jenny Radesky, Behavioral Pediatrician and Associate Professor at Michigan Medicine, says, “While platforms can offer benefits like community and self-expression, excessive use is linked to increased risks of depression and anxiety.”
Alternatively, students can be positively impacted by social media by being involved in a community filled with social support and positive interactions. Kayla, an anonymous freshman at U-M, majoring in Biology Health and Society, says “Social media is like a big resource hub for college life, allowing for connection with study groups, class announcements, or even getting advice from older students.” Williams says, “Social media allows for a discovery of safe online communities with a sense of belonging and encourages civic engagement and empowerment.”
Social media culture: how social media trends shape our lives
College freshmen are often in a period of intense social identity formation, navigating new environments and social structures, which can also be challenging. For students, social media can serve as both an outlet for self-expression and a pursuit of validation, which ultimately impacts their ability to manage their mental health. Dr. Emily Bilek, Clinical Psychologist at Michigan Medicine, says, “Aiming to align with the persona created online by social norms and expectations can influence themselves not only on social media, but in real life.”
Social media trends can positively impact mental health by fostering community and raising awareness. Recently, there has been a surge in mental health awareness posts promoting stress relief practices, encouraging individuals to seek help adopting healthy coping mechanisms. These trends can create a supportive environment, helping people feel less isolated and more empowered to take care of their mental well-being. Additionally, body positivity movements on platforms like Instagram and TikTok promote fitness and healthy living through beauty hacks and transformation videos, offering a message of self-acceptance.
The downsides of social media
However, while these trends can have positive effects, they are not without their downsides. The rapid shift in trends can create significant pressure, particularly when it comes to physical appearance. The same “body positivity movement” that encourages healthy living also contributes to unrealistic beauty standards, which many individuals feel pressured to conform to. As a result, some users may focus more on achieving the “perfect body” rather than on holistic health. Moreover, the pressure to constantly engage in self-care practices can lead to stress. The drive to keep up with the latest trends may, paradoxically, lead to burnout and anxiety.
Research supports the mental health impact of social media use. Speaking to the Preventative Medicine Journal in an article titled “Adolescents Social Media Use and Psychological Distress,” researchers say, “Adolescents who use social media excessively and across multiple platforms reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and panic disorder.” Despite the transient nature of online trends, their lasting influence on young adults’ mental health is undeniable.
The dual impact of social media: risks and benefits
As college freshmen transition into a more independent environment, social media misuse can create mental health challenges. The pressures of comparing to peers, focusing on lifestyles or academic achievements, can cause students to feel inadequate or anxious. Constant exposure to social media reduces face-to-face interactions, fostering isolation or increasing stress. According to an Emerald Insight journal titled “Dual Social Media Pathways Affect Teen Well-Being,” researchers say, “Increased connectedness positively mediated the relationship between frequency of use and teens’ subjective perceptions of their well-being, while risky social media engagement negatively mediated it.” Risky social media engagement, such as exposure to cyberbullying, harmful comparisons, or unhealthy content, can have a negative impact.
However, social media is also used as a tool for social connection, enabling students to build relationships, join supportive communities, and find a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar environment. The American Academy of Pediatrics also mentions that social media allows for social connection, community support, empowerment, and civic engagement. Bilek agrees, saying, “Connecting with peers, joining groups of similar interests, or participating in online mental health support communities can help students feel less alone and more supported.” Social media isn’t all bad, but students are still figuring out how to make it work healthily. Bill, an anonymous freshman majoring in Business Management, says, “Ultimately, the goal is to use social media as a tool to enhance my college experience, not as a source of stress or comparison.”
Finding a balance
The key to using social media as a powerful tool for connection lies in college freshmen finding a balance. Hannah, an anonymous freshman at U-M, says, “I’ve definitely had days where I feel down after scrolling through posts that make me feel like I’m not doing enough, but social media isn’t all bad, I’m still trying out how to make it work in a healthy way.” Maximizing the benefits and being vigilant to avoid the potential psychological and emotional drawbacks allows for a digital landscape filled with support and healthy relationships. Being mindful of social media use and setting boundaries for healthy engagement allows for composure. Creating a digital routine by planning Social Media and Sleep habits can help limit phone usage, promote healthier sleep, and reduce stress and anxiety. Williams says, “Create boundaries with your friend group about when you’ll be using social media or when you won’t, and curate your feed on platforms to give more positive experiences.”
By establishing boundaries and mindful usage, individuals can protect their mental health and focus on more meaningful, offline relationships. The 5 Cs of Media Use: Child, Content, Calm, Crowding Out, and Communication represents a comprehensive framework designed to support children, teenagers, and parents by providing valuable insights and fostering essential motivational skills. This approach aims to help families navigate the complexities of media consumption while promoting healthier, more balanced relationships with technology, rather than using anxiety inducing language. By focusing on key elements like age-appropriate content, emotional regulation, and clear communication, it encourages a thoughtful, mindful approach to media use that enhances overall well-being.
Navigating life and learning with social media
The type of content that one is consuming can play a huge factor into the experience they have on social media. According to a Scientific Reports Journal in Nature titled “The Effect of Social Media on Well-Being,” researchers say “ Adolescents experienced an increase in well-being at moments when they had passively used Instagram.” Social media can be a platform for authentic self-expression, self-affirmation, and connecting with like-minded individuals or communities, reducing stress and promoting mental health. The American Academy of Pediatrics mentions 4 Social Media Tips for Teens. First, stop and pay attention to media use. Ask yourself how to connect with others through social media. Consider the opportunities to learn by utilizing social media. Lastly, take breaks.
Salma, an anonymous freshman majoring in UX Design, says, “I started being more intentional about my media use and set goals. I wanted to connect with friends, learn, and network by curating a feed that uplifted and inspired me.” To promote digital literacy, encourage balanced social media use alongside offline activities that build self-esteem. Support mindful use by setting boundaries and modeling healthy media habits. For better rest and mental well-being, limit phone use, especially before sleep, to avoid media overuse and sleep disruption. Williams says, “The type of content that one is consuming can play a huge factor into the experience they have on social media.”
As Sarah sat her phone down, she realized that social media, when used mindfully, could be a powerful tool for connection and positivity. Instead of focusing on perfection, “I began following accounts that promoted mental health, self-care, and authentic self-expression.” She saw how many people were sharing their real struggles, supporting one another, and finding community in the digital space. Sarah says, “social media doesn’t have to be a source of comparison—it could be a platform for growth, encouragement, and genuine connection, offering a space where people could inspire and uplift each other.”
Feature Photo: A College Student’s Phone’s Average Screen Time Data on March 29, 2025—A snapshot of daily digital habits, by Rejoana Evana