From online community to anxiety: Creators reveal social media’s mental-health toll
Three South African content creators describe how social media brought community and career opportunities — but also comparison, bullying and anxiety — and explain how they set healthier boundaries online.
Social media platforms connect people from all corners of the globe, but for certain users, the non-stop stream of comments, comparisons, and curated lifestyles can have adverse effects on their mental well-being. Yoshoda Andrêa Naicker, 24, from Pinetown, initially discovered social media through her father's birthday surprise - a cellphone.
She posted a video on TikTok, expecting little to no attention, and was astonished when she received 1,000 followers the following day. Naicker's love for creating content grew as she received messages from users sharing how her videos brought laughter. She never anticipated social media would become a significant part of her life, as it also led her to meet her husband, Nicylan.
However, a year into her journey as a content creator, the site started affecting her mental health. Naicker was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (now Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), which led to rapid weight gain. People made disparaging remarks about her appearance, causing her to lose confidence in herself.
She realized that many negative comments stemmed from individuals projecting their own insecurities. Naicker vowed never to agree with bullying or tearing others down based on their appearance. Instead, she now shares content encouraging people to embrace themselves and their unique qualities, emphasizing that body size and complexion do not define one's worth.
To protect her peace and mental health, Naicker now posts less content. She reminds her audience that social media often showcases an idealized version of reality, and people should not compare themselves to the lifestyles portrayed online. She encourages individuals to acknowledge that everyone has a different journey and to not let a single challenging experience define their entire story.
Instead, she urges them to reach out for help when needed and to remember that social media can be a valuable tool for connecting with others who share similar interests and experiences.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
