With a single tap, we are connected to the world, continuously reshaping how we perceive it. Social media has transformed the way people interact, expanding communication across strangers, friends and family. Yet, as these digital spaces grow, so does an important question: where do we draw the line between meaningful connection and overwhelming exposure?
Faculty, staff and students at The University of New Mexico College of Population Health (COPH) have observed how social media is deeply embedded in modern society and can be used as a powerful tool for connection. But without thoughtful regulation and community-level accountability, it can also cause harm.
There is increasing concern about social media’s effects on mental and behavioral health, particularly among young people, and its ability to influence identity, self-worth and emotional well-being.
There is a need to practice kindness on these platforms, which may sound funny, but remembering that we’re interacting with other people. It’s good to remember that social media can be a place of connection that strengthens a sense of belonging.
– Lillian Walker, Student, UNM College of Population Health
Sarah Blake, an administrative coordinator at COPH, reflected on her personal experiences with early exposure to social media and her opinion on how safety should be addressed at a higher level.
“I was raised without parental control, and I’ve been exposed to harmful aspects of social media at a young age,” Blake said. “The responsibility to make social media safe should rely on the government and shouldn’t burden the individuals.”
Recent legal cases, including trials involving major technology companies such as Meta, have drawn national attention to social media concerns. Testimony in these cases suggests that some platforms may be intentionally designed to encouraged prolonged engagement, particularly among younger users.
Features such as infinite scrolling, personalized algorithms and constant notifications are structured to capture attention and sustain use. These design choices, while effective for user retention, may also contribute to user compulsive behavior and increased psychological strain.
Beyond emotional effects, studies also indicate that heavy social media use can interfere with sleep, reduce attention span and increase overall emotional distress. Constant engagement with screens, particularly late at night, disrupts natural sleep patterns and contributes to fatigue and decreased cognitive performance.
Verlin Joseph, PhD, MPH, Co-PhD a director and assistant professor at COPH, encourages his students and young people to approach social media with caution. He emphasized both its influence and its potential risk.
“There are positives to social media, such as youth being able to cultivate community and develop skills that improve their lives in certain ways,” Joseph said. “However, I’m also concerned on the effects it has on their mental health particularly in the developing minds of growing adults.”
Social media is not inherently harmful. When used intentionally and in moderation, it can foster community, provide access to valuable information and offer support networks for individuals who may otherwise feel isolated. The issue lies not in the existence of these platforms but in how they are used and designed.
When social media begins to replace real connection rather than support it, it becomes a warning sign. At that point, the technology is no longer serving the individual but instead shaping their behavior in ways that may be difficult to regulate.
Setting boundaries, curating content and taking intentional breaks are all ways individuals can regain control over their digital habits. Self-awareness and discipline facilitate healthier user engagement, shifting from their passive consumption to more purposeful interaction.
Lillian Walker, a current COPH student studying the effects of social media, highlights the importance of mindful and respectful online interaction.
“There is a need to practice kindness on these platforms, which may sound funny, but remembering that we’re interacting with other people,” Walker said. “It’s good to remember that social media can be a place of connection that strengthens a sense of belonging.”
Ultimately, social media presents both opportunities and risks. The growing body of evidence suggests that without clear boundaries and increased awareness, its impact on mental health—especially among young people—can be significant and long-lasting. As society continues to navigate this evolving landscape, the challenge is not simply to stay connected but to ensure that connection remains meaningful, balanced and genuinely beneficial.