The specifics of anxiety states among young people during interaction with social media
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Дата
2024-12-19
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Alfred Nobel University
Анотація
The article highlights the specifics of anxiety states among young people during their interactions with social media. Despite the various benefits that social networks offer, the research reveals adverse consequences of excessive social media usage, such as a deficit in real-life communication and conflicts with close ones and family members due to an excessive focus on life in social networks.
The aim of the article is to define the level of the impact of different social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.) on the development of various types of anxiety, considering the differences in content formats and interaction modes on these platforms. Additionally, it seeks to define the nature and intensity of anxiety states among young people associated with social networks, such as the fear of missing out (FoMO), dependence on audience approval, and emotional reactions to negative or insincere content.
The study employed methods including content analysis of primary sources, systematisation, specification, and generalisation of approaches to identifying the factors contributing to anxiety and dependence arising from social media interactions.
It has been noted that two emotions underlie this experience and numerous similar ones in human psyche: fear and anxiety. Both are adaptive responses of the body to various situations.
The concepts of social networks and social media are defined. Social media have become inseparable from personal and professional life, significantly influencing the political landscape of countries. The expansion of 4G and 5G networks has increased the interconnectedness of virtual and real societies. Activities on social networks, such as sharing, liking, messaging, and other interactions, amplify the stress experienced by social media participants.
The findings indicate that real-life social support is associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and social isolation, whereas social support via social networks does not demonstrate a similar association with these mental health measures.
It has been proven that social networks provoke several adverse changes in the psyche and have a significant impact on the lives of modern youth. Increasingly, social media platforms are being used for self-disclosure regarding mental health conditions, seeking support, and obtaining therapeutic benefits. Social interactions are progressively shifting online, complementing offline relationships.
The research identifies that various social networks have become popular tools for social communication and establishing social connections. The original idea behind social networks was to facilitate socialisation, adaptation, and self-presentation. As the popularity of social networks has grown, so has the frequency of dependency on them.
The study outlines that the increasing popularity of social networks has heightened dependency rates. Social media have a dual effect on appearance-related anxiety. Enhanced engagement with social networks exacerbates concerns about appearance, establishes aesthetic standards, and fosters a comparative environment.
It has been demonstrated that in 2024, the five most popular social media platforms include Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and WeChat.
The study reveals that this new social media environment has given rise to a phenomenon known as Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), characterised by the desire to remain connected and informed to avoid missing any significant events or information.
It has been concluded that the emergence of social networks has introduced new features and challenges to societal adaptation. With the increasing frequency of criminal exploitation, cyberbullying, and interpersonal harm caused by the excessive disclosure of personal and others’ lives, the need for psychological assistance and specialised therapy becomes evident.
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Ключові слова
social networks, social media, youth, psychological stress, Internet addiction, digital communication, соціальні мережі, соціальні медіа, молодь, психологічний стрес, інтернет-залежність, цифрова комунікація