The lives that many influencers present online are often far from the ones they’re actually living. Once they gain more followers and start collaborating with brands, they might feel compelled to meet expectations of the brands and compromise their own ideas and visions.
Consequently, keeping up with social media trends while creating, editing, and posting content can be a strenuous job that can take a toll on influencers’ mental health.
Even though mental health is becoming a hot topic on social media, it’s paradoxically one of the most common causes of mental health issues.
We’re bringing you a list of some of the most common ways social media impacts influencers’ mental health.
- It can lead to developing a bad self-image
According to a study by ExpressVPN on how social media impacts Gen Z’s mental health, 85% of respondents stated that it directly affects their self-image and self-esteem, with the number of followers and likes being some of the most important factors. Social media often sets unrealistic beauty standards that influencers try to reach for more popularity. This can lead to body dysmorphia and related eating disorders.
2. It can cause loneliness and depression
Even though the founding fathers of social media envisioned it to be platforms for communion and dialogue, in reality, they sometimes turn into a hostile environment where people face harassment and trolling. Online bullying can lead to severe mental health issues. The above-mentioned study revealed that 79% of Gen Z feel more depressed due to social media presence, and 83% list social media as a contributing factor to their anxiety.
3. It can contribute to safety and privacy issues
Younger generations are becoming more aware of potential privacy and security risks of social media. However, it’s interesting to see that a staggering 78% of them are still willing to share their personal information on social media networks in exchange for social media fame, even though 29% admit they’ve been doxxed because of the content they published online.
4. It can encourage risky online behavior
Influencers gain popularity from likes, hearts, and followers. It’s not surprising that 47% of respondents delete posts that don’t receive enough likes since a low approval rating can decrease their popularity. Some influencers even go the extra mile and purchase social media followers to attract brand collaborations and get a verified profile. This kind of behavior can not only affect their online safety but can also cause long-term financial difficulties.
Those who decide to take the social media fame road will face many obstacles on their way. It’s essential to bear in mind that social media trends are changing fast, and it’s sometimes difficult to keep up with.
Rome wasn’t built in a day – attracting the right audience takes time and effort. Creating high-quality content while being genuine in expressing your own voice is a starting point of every social media success story. Don’t forget to look after your mental health amidst the fame.
