Social Media

Then: What's Social Media?

Now: What Was Friendster?

Person recording an art gallery on a phone.

In the past two decades, technology, apps and social media platforms have appeared on the scene, evolved and disappeared at an astonishing pace. But how has that change affected human beings and their psychological well-being? Let's hear from Zahra Vahedi, assistant teaching professor of psychology, who specializes in researching the impact of smartphones and social media on mental health and body image.

What stands out to you the most, looking back from Y2K to now?

Zahra Vahedi (ZV): It is difficult to imagine, but less than 25 years ago, social media and smartphones were not the common household terms that they are today. In fact, both were in their infancy, with the general population unaware of the impact they would have on their lives within the next two decades. This is clearly not the case anymore. Now, not only have smartphones permeated most of society, but it is also difficult to imagine navigating daily life without them.

From a psychological perspective, how have people changed or been affected by social media and all this ever-present technology?

(ZV): We are now more aware of the associated effects of newer technologies. There’s recently been a greater focus on the potential harmful effects of social media and smartphones. Parents, educators and policymakers have notably criticized their addictive and distracting nature.

True. Any favorable effects?

(ZV): We can also appreciate the positive societal impact these technologies have had. For example, social media played an integral role in keeping loved ones connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. This beckons the question of how do we as a society navigate the use of technology to ensure we’re reaping the benefits and minimizing the harms?

Right. So, going forward, what do we do?

(ZV): As an academic, the answer for me always involves seeking conclusive research findings. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer.

There is evidence to suggest a positive relationship between social media use, and also adverse psychological effects. In other words, does social media use have a negative impact on our psychological well-being, or are symptoms of ill-being, such as sadness and hopelessness, driving more social media use?

So, no “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” emoji here?

(ZV): It’s important to acknowledge that social media use is incredibility multifaceted and complex. For example, think about the different social media mediums that adolescents may be accessing, their motivations and the quality of use. Are they being used in an inherently “problematic” way?

What lies ahead in the next 25 years?

(ZV): Looking into the future, all this complexity means that more thorough, and even individualized, forms of data collection and analysis will be necessary to more thoroughly understand the nuanced ways social media use can impact us.

2025 marks a quarter-century’s worth of rapid developments in technology. While the future may seem intimidating (what new changes will it bring?), I remain hopeful that advances in psychological research will provide guidance on how to make the most out of technology.