University Health Services general therapists Corinne Werner and Matthew Rozzi hosted a virtual Thrive Workshop Tuesday, discussing various effects of social media use.
Thrive workshops are a part of UHS’s Mental Health Services. They aim to connect UW students with mental health professionals and other resources with the overall goal of supporting their academic performance, personal relationships and well-being.
Werner opened the workshop with data analyses, saying approximately 95% of teens report engaging with social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Werner said the average college student spends three to five hours of their day on social media.
Workshop attendees reflected on their social media habits, with most revealing that their initial social media exposure began at the ages of 12 to 13. This early exposure is a strong predictor of why it is so difficult to disconnect from social media platforms, Werner said.
Rozzi discussed the benefits of social media, especially for marginalized groups and those seeking community. It provides a space for self-expression, mental health advocacy and health related resources, Rozzi said.
The consequences of problematic social media use include social comparisons, self-esteem issues and unrealistic expectations of life, Rozzi said.
“Social media is a highlight reel,” Rozzi said. “We are comparing ourselves to others who are showing what they consider the best versions of themselves.”
Rozzi said extensive social media use is associated with depression, anxiety, disrupted sleeping patterns and exposure to harmful content like cyberbullying.
Social media’s effects depend on the individual and how they use it, Werner said. Passive scrolling, which includes reading and observing posts, often results in negative outcomes. Active use, such as sharing and creating content, is more likely to foster meaningful connections and positive experiences.
The widespread misinformation on mental health is a growing concern, Werner said. Influencers without credentials often oversimplify complex conditions presented in short videos, leading to confusion and inaccurate self-diagnoses among social media users, Werner said.
“One video showed somebody saying that if you sleep with dinosaur arms when you are curled up in your sleep, that might mean you have ADHD — I know many people who do that that don’t have ADHD,” Werner said.
Werner advised students to check source credibility and cross-reference information with trusted media organizations. If there is a mental illness concern, it is best to consult with licensed medical professionals, Werner said.
The workshop concluded with mindful social media strategies, such as setting clear intentions and purposes before opening an app, curating feeds and setting screen time limits.
This workshop encouraged students to be more aware and intentional about how they use social media and to remember that support is available.
UHS offers Thrive workshops throughout the semester and other mental health resources that can be found through Thrive Online and UHS’ outreach programming event calendar.
