Position Paper 4 - Wild Card
Hannah Diffee
Professor Reppert
Internet Communication
May 2025
Position Paper 4 - Wild Card
The Role of Social Media in Promoting Healthy Living
Many have criticized social media for its adverse effects on the health and well-being of young people. Its use has long been linked to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, particularly among teens. However, social platforms can offer many benefits if users engage with them in a positive manner. These advantages include promoting healthy lifestyles, helping users develop a positive body image, and providing mental health resources.
Social media plays a vital role in helping individuals live healthier. A study by The Conversation reveals that “social media often had a positive influence on the young people’s motivation to be physically active and on their ability to make conscious diet choices. [It] also allowed them to access information they found inspirational, and learn about different apps they could use to be physically active or monitor their progress” (The Conversation).
Social platforms provide users access to health resources, encouraging them to explore new diets or activities to better themselves and their bodies. Anyone can share lifestyle or health content on social media, making these resources more accessible than ever before. Students in the study also shared that the interactions (likes, shares, comments, etc.) they received on their social media posts motivated them to continue exercising. In this way, social media can be a fantastic tool for holding users accountable. People can chronicle their journeys in real time and connect with others following similar diets or exercise programs, making them more likely to maintain healthy habits.
Social media is also an excellent tool for promoting positive body image. Many people in the digital age, especially young women, feel insecure if their bodies do not fit “conventional” beauty standards. The body positivity movement aims to combat this by promoting acceptance of all body types, and it does very well at doing so. According to a study by the University of New South Wales, Sydney, “women aged 18-25 who viewed body positive posts daily over a 14-day period reported a decrease in body dissatisfaction and less tendency to compare their appearance with others." It is no secret that social media can be harmful. However, if users curate their feeds by following diverse individuals who post encouraging content, they are less likely to be unhappy with their bodies. Additionally, viewing content unrelated to a person’s looks can help people feel more comfortable expressing their own ideas and talents.
Social media also offers a variety of helpful mental health resources. An increasing number of mental health professionals are using digital platforms to promote therapy to those who may have misconceptions about counseling or need access to help. The American Counseling Association, in its publication Counseling Today, states that social media allows counselors to “offset misinformation and educate others on mental health,” “normalize the process of going to counseling,” and potentially decrease “the stigma around certain mental health issues." These resources serve as an excellent supplement for individuals who cannot afford therapy or are interested in seeking mental health help.
The American Counseling Association further asserts, “Social media, of course, is no replacement for therapy, but more people, especially youth, are turning to these platforms for mental health advice and to share their own mental health struggles." While some argue that social media has made mental health issues more prevalent among youth, social platforms can also provide young people with supportive communities they may not find otherwise.
In recent years, researchers have primarily emphasized the harmful nature of social media. However, it can be a highly effective tool when used wisely. It can help individuals lead healthier lives by teaching them about potentially beneficial exercises and eating habits. Social media can promote a positive body image by fostering communities of people who post encouraging content. Social platforms have also become essential tools for connecting users to the mental health resources they need. By engaging with the positive content described above, users can develop a healthier relationship with social media and achieve healthier lives overall.
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