With social media usage at an all-time high, questions persist about its long-term impact on mental health—particularly among young adults. At the University of Utah, students are reflecting on whether the digital platforms that once promised connection and creativity have evolved into sources of stress, anxiety, and comparison.
According to data from Statista, more than 5.56 billion people use social media globally. In the U.S., Gen Z—those born between 1997 and 2012—accounts for nearly 25% of that engagement. As the first generation raised entirely in a digital ecosystem, their experiences shed light on how prolonged exposure to online environments may shape mental health.
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, in his book The Anxious Generation, traces a spike in anxiety and depression among Gen Z to the rise of smartphones and social media. “Around the early 2010s, adolescent mental health began to decline sharply,” he writes. “Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide all surged—many metrics more than doubled.”
To gauge how national trends align with local experiences, The Daily Utah Chronicle surveyed University of Utah students, using a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended questions to understand their views on the role of social media in their lives.
Patterns of Usage and Platform Preferences
Among respondents, 89% said they have used social media for over five years. The remaining 11% reported being active for at least four years.
Instagram emerged as the most widely used platform, with 94% of students actively engaging. YouTube followed at 77%, while Pinterest and TikTok were used by 72% and 61% respectively. These figures closely reflect national averages: Pew Research reports that 91% of U.S. adults aged 18–26 use YouTube, 76% use Instagram, 59% use TikTok, and 43% use Pinterest.
Instagram’s popularity, in particular, resonates with Gen Z due to its visual design and dynamic content formats. According to Investopedia, the platform’s evolution—from static images to Reels and Stories—has allowed it to stay competitive with TikTok and other video-first platforms.
Capturing the Moment or Missing It?
Senior entrepreneurship major Kennedy Chiara, who previously directed the university’s Geekwave organization, described her own Instagram experience as both compelling and emotionally draining. While studying abroad in Dublin, she felt compelled to chronicle her trip visually, almost as if validating her happiness through a curated digital record.
“I felt like I had to show the world what I was doing and how much fun I was having—through perfectly crafted Instagram posts,” she said. Chiara eventually deleted her Instagram account two years ago and says she has not experienced the same fear of missing out (FOMO) since.
“It was hard at first,” she admitted, “but that sense of missing out completely disappeared once I was off the app. I only felt that way while I was still using social media.”
Emotional Fallout: Anxiety, Anger, and Exhaustion
When asked about the emotions social media triggers, many students pointed to feelings of anxiety and unease. One student described a constant urge to compare themselves to others, even when they were content with their own lives.
“I always compare myself—my experiences, my friends—even though I’m happy with what I have,” the student said. “Seeing bad news makes me anxious, but I still keep scrolling because I want to stay informed. The constant panic online makes me feel helpless.”
Anger was another frequently cited reaction, particularly in response to political content. Several students said social media had intensified their emotional responses to national events:
“I feel angry about the political state of our country.”
“With everything happening lately, I’ve cried more than once after reading through posts.”
“The heavy political focus on social media stresses me out. It’s not what I want from these platforms.”
To better understand these emotional patterns, The Chronicle spoke with Dr. Lily Belle Diel, a psychology professor at the University of Missouri whose research focuses on early life stress and lifelong health.
“Frequent updates and constant exposure to emotionally charged content can increase stress and anxiety,” Diel explained. “When these updates are embedded into our daily routines, it becomes difficult to disconnect—especially with notifications always on.”
While she emphasized the value of staying informed, Diel warned against doomscrolling and urged students to find a healthier balance. “Being aware of the world is important, but obsessively consuming distressing news can severely impact mental well-being,” she said.
The Pressure of Body Image and Fitness Trends
Students also flagged body image as a major concern tied to social media. Responses frequently mentioned the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty or fitness standards, including exposure to content labeled “thinspo,” “SkinnyTok,” or “FitnessTok.”
“Even in areas where I outperform others, I find myself comparing my achievements to those who look better or seem more successful,” one student wrote. “It creates a loop of insecurity.”
Dr. Katherine Pagano, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Missouri who specializes in male body image, cautioned against blindly following online fitness influencers.
“A lot of the advice out there is unverified and not backed by science,” she said. “People try to replicate what works for influencers without realizing that those routines aren’t meant for the average person.”
Instead, Pagano encouraged students to embrace evidence-based approaches to self-care and body confidence. “We now have excellent research on building body compassion—practices that focus on well-being rather than appearance,” she said.
Finding Joy and Connection Online
Despite these challenges, not all student experiences were negative. Every respondent reported feeling “joy” at some point while using social media. Many cited a sense of connection and shared understanding as benefits.
“There are times when I scroll through photos and feel seen—like someone else has put into words something I’ve been feeling,” one student said.
Others emphasized the role social media plays in maintaining long-distance relationships. “It helps me stay in touch with friends in other states and countries,” one student noted. “It’s still my main way of making plans and staying connected.”
Striking a Healthier Balance
Junior psychology and pre-med major Nsilo Challenger believes that, used in moderation, social media can be a force for good. “It has the potential to connect people around the world and spark meaningful conversations,” he said.
Challenger also stressed that online engagement should lead to offline action. “If you care about a political issue, you should go to a protest or volunteer your time,” he said. “Use social media to get informed—but don’t stop there.”
For Challenger and many of his peers, the message is clear: social media is a powerful tool—but it should not replace the real world. The key is balance, mindfulness, and purpose.
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