Sports therapy focuses on the seemingly endless facets of athlete mental health, reaching far beyond mindset or performance on the field.  Armed with an understanding of social media’s benefits for student athletes (like connection, communication and visibility), sports therapists find the impact of social media on athlete mental health creates unique challenges. In this article, Shore Break Recovery’s Nick Geissler, MS, LAC explores both the positive and negative impact of social media on athlete mental health. More importantly, he leaves us with some suggestions about how to strike a healthy balance in an increasingly digital world.

 

The Surgeon General’s Report

The Surgeon General’s Advisory on the impact of social media reported that 95% of 13-17 year olds report they use social media. The report states that “more than a third… use social media ‘almost constantly.’” A long-term study of U.S. adolescents was included in this report, which found that mental health challenges like depression and anxiety nearly doubled in adolescents who spent more than 3 hours per day on social media. Nick kept this data at the forefront as he unpacked athlete mental health.

 

The Positive Impact of Social Media

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to paint with broad strokes and label the impact of social media on mental health as “bad” or “terrifying.” But for athletes, especially student athletes, there are a few positive aspects of social media:

 

  1. Enhanced Visibility and Opportunities

    • Showcasing Talent: Social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok provide student athletes with a platform to showcase their skills and achievements. Highlight reels, training videos, and game footage can attract the attention of college scouts, coaches, and potential sponsors.

    • Networking: Athletes can connect with peers, mentors, and professionals in their sport, fostering valuable relationships that can lead to opportunities in higher education and professional careers.

  2. Community and Support

    • Building Community: Social media allows student athletes to build a community of supporters, including friends, family, fans, and fellow athletes. This support network can provide encouragement, motivation, and a sense of belonging.

    • Access to Resources: Through social media, athletes can access a wealth of information, including training tips, nutrition advice, and mental health resources. This can enhance their overall well-being and performance.

  3. Mental Health Advocacy

    • Raising Awareness: Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about mental health issues in sports. Athletes sharing their personal struggles and triumphs can reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help. We’ve watched athletes from nearly every sport get vulnerable about their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

    • Support Groups: Online support groups and forums provide a safe space for athletes to discuss their challenges and find solidarity with others facing similar issues.

 

The Negative Impact of Social Media

Though there can be some positive influences on athlete mental health, sports therapists have found an equal number of concerning impacts.

  1. Performance Pressure and Comparison

    • Unrealistic Standards: Constant exposure to highlight reels and success stories can create unrealistic expectations for performance and success. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and pressure to constantly measure up to others.

    • Comparison Culture: Comparing oneself to other athletes on social media can diminish self-esteem and negatively impact mental health. This comparison culture can be particularly damaging during periods of injury or poor performance.

  2. Cyberbullying and Negative Feedback

    • Online Criticism: Student athletes are often subject to public scrutiny and criticism on social media. Negative comments, cyberbullying, and online harassment can take a significant toll on an athlete’s mental and emotional well-being.

    • Trolls and Haters: Anonymous online trolls can be relentless in their attacks, exacerbating stress and anxiety for athletes already under pressure. Even after blocking someone, their words can have a lasting impact on self-esteem.

  3. Distraction and Time Management

    • Time Consumption: Social media can be a major distraction, consuming time that could be spent on training, studying, or rest. Poor time management can lead to decreased performance both academically and athletically.

    • Focus and Concentration: The constant influx of notifications and content can disrupt focus and concentration, making it difficult for athletes to maintain the discipline needed for their sport and studies.

  4. Mental Health Strain

    • Anxiety and Depression: The pressures and negative experiences associated with social media use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The need to maintain a certain image or persona online can be mentally exhausting.

    • Isolation: Despite the connectivity offered by social media, athletes may feel isolated if they perceive that their online persona doesn’t align with their true self or if they struggle to keep up with the perceived successes of their peers.

SO NOW WHAT?! Let’s talk balance.

Given the significant impact of social media on student athletes, it is crucial to find a balance that maximizes benefits while mitigating risks. Here are some strategies for managing social media use effectively:

  1. Set Boundaries
    • Limit Usage: Establish specific times for social media use to prevent it from interfering with training, academics, and rest.
    • Curate Content: Follow accounts that provide positive, educational, and motivational content while unfollowing or blocking sources of negativity and stress.
  2. Promoting Digital Literacy
    • Education: Educate athletes about the potential risks of social media and provide tools for managing their online presence responsibly. We want to encourage them to make healthy decisions for themselves while remembering that can also be really challenging.
    • Critical Thinking: Encourage athletes to critically evaluate the content they consume and to recognize the curated nature of social media. Tap into documentaries that explain what the algorithm is and how it works – what we engage with will continue to be in our faces.
  3. Seeking Support
    • Counseling Services: Provide access to counseling and mental health services to help athletes navigate the challenges associated with social media use. Sports therapy includes lots of conversation about comparison, isolation, and more.
    • Peer Support: Foster a supportive team environment where athletes can openly discuss different aspects of their life, including the impact of social media on their mindset.
  4. Fostering a Healthy Relationship with Social Media
    • Mindful Engagement: Encourage athletes to use social media mindfully, focusing on meaningful interactions rather than passive scrolling.