Debates about the impact of social media on our mental wellbeing have raged for almost as long as social media has existed. With so much discussion around politics taking place on social media at the moment, new research from Columbus State University explores the impact this might be having on our mental health.
It’s well known that many people get their political news from social media, but also that the deluge of information (and arguments) can cause many to tune out as politics dominates their newsfeeds.
The study found that political content can lead to a range of responses from people as they seek to limit their exposure, ranging from muting connections all the way to quitting the platform altogether. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most angst is caused by political posts that jar with our own.
Remedial action
It’s perhaps also unsurprising that we’re somewhat more “forgiving” of family and friends that are close to us in terms of allowing any opinions they may have that jar with our own. The research found that the strategies outlined above to limit the mental strain caused by political discussions on social media were themselves limited when it comes to those closest to us.
“While Facebook still enjoys massive worldwide popularity, public trust in the site is waning,” the researchers say. “Some users are exiting Facebook while others are decreasing the intensity and frequency in which they engage with the site.”
Suffice to say, with social media increasingly being used by businesses promoting their brands, this can also impact them too. The researchers highlight how political posts can turn customers away, while general social media fatigue can have an obvious impact on the reach of any campaigns conducted.
“Unwanted brand-related and political content may drive Facebook users away from the platform,” the researchers conclude. “This can majorly impact a company’s social media marketing strategies and users’ relationships with those brands as consumers continue to navigate Facebook’s continuously evolving post-trust era.”
