The Heavy Hand of the Doctor

Social media has become a toxic form of self-medication in which individuals are subjected to falling into a vicious cycle of isolation.

The Toxic Self-Medicating

Social media has been increasingly linked with isolation. A study done by Whatie et al. suggested that individuals who used social media with conscientiousness spent increased amounts of time on social media and were at nearly three times the odds of showing signs of social isolation than those who spent less time on social media platforms. Social media, therefore, may in fact be doing the opposite of bringing people together.

Many argue, in fact, social media is ripping apart the very fabric of society as younger generations find it harder and harder to make and maintain in-person relationships, or even simple conversation. The online world has softened the how and when we converse with one another. So, social media may in fact be isolating people on various levels: the physical one by crippling them in actual interactions, and on a subconscious level as those who tend to use social media more are at higher risk for subconsciously choosing to isolate themselves.

Posting, now, "might then only serve to increase the perception of social isolation..."

Dr. Primack denotes this phenomena as a 'vicious cycle of isolation'. He discusses how individuals may in some senses be attempting to find support by posting - such as Conteh did - as a means of self-prescribed aide for loneliness. However, “… reaching out [by posting online] might then only serve to increase the perception of social isolation, which then leads to more social media use, etc.," and the cycle continues.

It appears, in fact, to be an addictive cycle. And perhaps, it even makes sense, when we are lonely, sad, or even bored we seek connection, and currently the easiest/most accessible form of 'connection' is via social media. The problem lies more in the following stages of the cycle where we post, stalk, and compare in attempts to find the support we subconsciously are looking for. When we inevitably do not find the human connection we are seek at a primal level, we feel isolated and thus the whole cycle begins again. This perhaps is the genius behind the platforms - just saddening and simultaneously numbing enough to become addicting. And so the self-medication continues.

So What?

It is important to understand the cycle of self-medication often present online so that it can be properly addressed, even treated. By identifying the factors leading to feelings of isolation and simply shedding light on the possibility of the viscous cycle, individuals can be prevented from falling into it partially or even entirely. We protect our mental health.

Although some critics argue social media provides spaces for supportive communities which can decrease feelings of social isolation, the reality of the online world is it cannot provide whole human connection we require on a primal level. Social media's online groups, texting, even video calling, may provide temporary relief to individuals as they post or text, the pictures simply are not substantive enough to provide support individuals require through serious dilemmas.

Texting and posting, in fact, may simply lead to more anxiety, only making the spiral steeper. Amedie highlights this idea in his article: "According to Dr. Davilla, 'Texting, instant messaging and social networking make it very easy for adolescents to become even more anxious, which can lead to depression'". Amedie continues by making example of a studied Facebook group of young girls, he writes: “Social media is becoming the go to medium for these repeated discussions, allowing for the constant rehashing of the discussions over these girls’ “problems”, causing them to become obsessed over the “problem” and preventing them from moving on in life.” Again, social media poses more harm than good, as it encourages the spiralling phenomenon; but, again, there remains a simple solution: limiting the time/use of social media to prevent the potential for spiralling altogether.