Most of us use social media on a daily basis. Whether it’s scrolling through our friends’ Instagram posts or keeping up with our favorite influencers on TikTok, social media plays an important role in our lives. However, while social media can be a fun and beneficial space, it may also negatively impact our mental health- especially in the new age of AI. With this newfound technology, social media platforms are becoming even more addicting and even less trustworthy. Platforms can now control what we see, how long we’re online, and even how we feel. As AI continues to grow and develop, it’s important for us to acknowledge its effects and how these changes impact our mental health.
What is AI and How is it Used in Social Media?
Simply put, AI (artificial intelligence) is a type of technology capable of learning from data and performing tasks that usually require human intelligence and decision making. AI is used in social media in subtle but tremendous ways. Have you ever noticed that your TikTok feed is full of exactly the kind of content you want to see? That’s AI at work. Algorithms analyze your behavior, whether it’s posts you like or who you follow, and then custom tailor your feed to keep you engaged and on the app for longer.
In addition to these powerful algorithms, AI is also behind the rise of influencers. From fully computer-generated characters gaining huge followings on social media platforms, to photo and video editing software getting better and better, artificial intelligence is a driving force in influencer culture. Lilmiquela is a fully computer-generated influencer boasting a 2.5 million following on Instagram. Despite not even being a real person, she does brand deals, has a huge following, and is considered a pop culture icon. Through apps like retouch, influencers can edit their photos and videos to make themselves look however they want. While these uses of AI may seem incredibly cool, they can also have a detrimental effect on mental health.
Negative Effects of AI on Mental Health
AI algorithms are built to make you addicted and keep you scrolling for as long as possible. This can make it easy to feel out of control and can impact your attention span and ability to focus on school and extracurriculars. Not only is social media becoming harder to use in moderation, its content is also becoming more fake and sensationalized. AI is trained to push posts that perform better and get more views and likes. So naturally, AI often pushes posts that show the best moments of peoples’ lives because that’s what most people want to see. Influencers and other users are capable of only filming and posting the very best from their lives, which AI pushes out to more people. This of course isn’t realistic and shouldn’t be a comparison to your own life but it’s hard not to compare. This creates the expectation to live up to unrealistic beauty standards or seemingly flawless lifestyles. Seeing influencers and friends post moments from their “picture-perfect” lives can make you feel like you’re not measuring up, even though much of what you see is heavily edited and only a tiny part of real life. This constant comparison can lower your self-esteem and make you feel like you’re not good enough.
Photo editing apps make it possible for people to make themselves look however they want. Whether it’s smoothing out skin, altering facial features, or reshaping bodies, it can be impossible to tell whether a photo is authentic or edited. AI powers these photo editing apps to make them even more powerful and undetectable. Not just influencers edit their photos, many teenagers use photo editing apps too. These unrealistic beauty standards pushed on social media can make us feel like we just don’t measure up. Since there isn’t photoshop in real life, normal, healthy, and unique traits we should embrace are instead seen as flaws that need getting rid of.
How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship with Social Media in the AI Era
It’s possible to enjoy social media while protecting your mental health. The most important strategy is being aware of how AI works. Understanding how AI algorithms shape your social media experience is the first step in gaining control of it. Once you acknowledge that these algorithms are designed to keep you hooked for as long as possible, it’s easier to spot when you’re getting sucked into doom scrolling or being exposed to content that is potentially harmful to your mental health. After recognizing the potential downsides of social media, set boundaries. Use tools like screen-time trackers to set time limits and take short breaks if you’ve been on social media for a while. Turn off notifications to reduce the sense of urgency to check social media. If you find certain accounts make you feel bad about yourself, don’t hesitate to unfollow them. Only consume content that uplifts you, inspires you, motivates you, and makes you feel good about yourself. Overall, be mindful of how you use social media and how it’s making you feel. It’s also possible to use technology and social media to improve your mental health. Follow influencers that teach healthy habits, promote realistic lifestyles, and post positive content. Download apps, like the Prosper app, that encourage mindfulness and self care. Overall, maintaining a healthy relationship with social media in the age of AI requires self-awareness, boundaries, and balance. Whether it’s setting time limits, being mindful, or finding balance, you have the power to control your experience and prioritize your well-being.
