Why do students seek mental health support on social media?
As technology has advanced, social media has become a popular way for high school students to find mental health support. Why are teens making social media their go-to resource? We surveyed Blue Fever users to find out.
Across our community the following trends surfaced, including: the convenience and accessibility of these platforms, the ability to connect with others who have similar experiences, and the anonymity and nonjudgmental nature of social media communities.
Anonymity: In some cases, social media allows students to seek support anonymously or pseudo-anonymously, which can be especially appealing to those who are hesitant to seek help in person. This can be particularly beneficial for students who are struggling with sensitive or stigmatized mental health issues.
Convenience: Social media is easily accessible from anywhere, at any time, making it a convenient resource for high school students seeking mental health support.
Connectedness: Social media allows students to connect with others who are going through similar challenges, which can provide a sense of belonging and support. Many students find it helpful to connect with others who are going through the same things and can offer advice and support based on their own experiences.
Exposure to diverse perspectives: High school students may turn to social media to learn about different mental health experiences and approaches to self-care to improve their mental health.
Access to resources: Many social media platforms offer resources and information about mental health, including self-care tips, support groups, and online therapy options. They often look at what their peers are suggesting for mental health support.
While platforms like Tiktok and Youtube can be useful resources for high school students seeking mental health support, it's important to remember that social media should not be their only source of support. It's also important to use caution when seeking help on social media, as not all information or advice may be accurate or appropriate.
High school students should be advised to seek out in-person support from trusted sources, such as counseling services or their schools’s health centers, in addition to utilizing social media resources.
In a perfect world, students feel empowered and confident using online platforms to support their mental health; i.e. those specifically designed for the type of shared support they’re seeking, like Blue Fever, a social wellness app and self care community reversing youth negative mental health trends, one supportive act at a time.
