Hopelab & Well Being Trust 20
Key Finding 10
Continued
"I follow a lot of positive pages on social media, so I feel better
when I see a funny video or a cute video."
"If I'm feeling depressed, getting on Twitter and seeing funny
tweets or watching funny videos on YouTube can really brighten
my mood."
"It makes me feel better because I can read encouragement and
find inspiration to keep myself motivated when I am feeling
anxious."
"Usually friends post happy things - getting together with others,
accomplishments, bragging. I don't always want to see it when
I'm feeling down about myself so I stay off social media."
"Whenever I'm having an anxiety attack I have to put down
my phone and calm down."
"I stop after posting some sad negative stuff and find an actual
friend to meet with in person."
"When I feel upset I just stay off social media all together."
• Many young people seem to curate their social media feeds
to make sure they are being exposed to helpful and positive
content. Teens and young adults who say social media
usually makes them feel better report being exposed to
funny or inspirational content.
• Others describe being able to self-regulate their social
media use during times they say they are feeling depressed,
stressed, or anxious. Many of those young people who say
social media makes them feel worse also say they stay off
social media during those times.
Key Findings
