Is there sense to blaming student mental health crisis on the internet?

| Unlocked iPhone with social media applications used by most students

by Dinara Murzalina

Social media could be to blame for causing poor mental health among students, by putting extra amount of pressure on already stressed individuals.

The number of students declaring mental health issues has almost tripled over the last five to eight years in the UK. The study by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Students, a forum dedicated to issues affecting students in higher education, found 33% of students had experienced suicidal thoughts in the past academic year.

Seven students at Bristol University have killed themselves in the past 18 months. The vice-chancellor of the university, Hugh Brady, gave a comment to the press and told social media is to blame.

The effects of social media pressure on mental health are pretty obvious. Facebook and Instagram are confirmed to ruin self-esteem and confidence as well as causing the wrong type of ‘perfectionism’. Unrealistic expectations coming from virtual life can become a burden for sure yet cannot be the major factor in student suicides.

The National Union of Students' survey reveals social pressure, which includes social media frustration, is only the ninth biggest cause of stress.

The NUS survey also states the key factors of mental distress are deadlines (65%) and exams (54%). Balancing study with other activities and academic performance are the second two contributors (both 52%). Personal life (49%), financial difficulties (47%) and looking for a job while studying (28%) also often cause students to feel down. Others triggers include worries over accommodation and future employment.

Despite all the university programs dedicated to the emotional balance of students, the recent research indicates university students lack an understanding of mental health issues. They are also hesitant to seek help.

Maybe, universities should stop avoiding responsibility, make the services accessible and aim to break the stigma around mental health?

Follow Dinara Murzalina @DinaraMurzalina on Twitter

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