The case for restricting Social Networks at home

Mental health risks: beyond correlation

Social networks are designed to be not just engaging, but addictive, capturing attention to generate profit through targeted advertising based on data they collect about you. While they offer opportunities for connection and self-expression, research increasingly highlights the darker side of social media use, particularly its impact on mental health.

A growing body of research suggests a causal relationship between social media use and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety among young people. A study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry in 2019 found that adolescents who spent more than three hours a day on social media were at a higher risk of developing mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. This isn't just about correlation; the study controlled for various factors, suggesting that excessive social media use can directly contribute to these conditions. 

Social media platforms often promote unrealistic standards of beauty and success, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. The constant comparison with peers can exacerbate these feelings, creating a breeding ground for anxiety and depression.

Suicide risk

Perhaps even more concerning is the link between social media use and increased suicide risk among teenagers. A study in Clinical Psychological Science in 2018 found that adolescents who spent more time on social media were more likely to report suicidal thoughts. The study highlighted that the rise in adolescent mental health issues coincided with the increased use of social media, suggesting a causal link.

The anonymity and reach of social media can also facilitate cyberbullying, which has been linked to increased suicide risk. Victims of cyberbullying often feel isolated and helpless, and without the right support, these feelings can lead to tragic outcomes.

Privacy concerns

Beyond mental health, there are simple privacy concerns to consider. Social networks collect vast amounts of personal data to target ads as granularly as possible. The 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal highlighted how personal data from millions of Facebook users was used without appropriate consent for political advertising, raising alarm bells about data breaches and the implications of hyper-targeting individuals.

Taking control: strategies for families

Given these risks, here are two key strategies that Arbiio advocates for managing social network access among your loved ones:

Implement network-level controls

Leveraging network-level controls like Arbiio to block or limit access to social media sites is a primary reason for our existence. With Arbiio, parental control features—often only available on new and expensive network routers—enable you to restrict access to specific social networks and set time windows for usage. This can help reduce the time your children spend on social media, mitigating potential mental health risks.

Encourage open communication

Blocking social networks isn't a silver bullet. It's essential to foster open communication with your children about their online experiences. Encourage them to share any negative experiences and discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Through this dialogue, you can educate your family about online safety practices, recognis

In today's world, where digital connectivity is everywhere, choosing to limit social network access at home is more about protecting mental health and enhancing network security than cutting off communication. By being aware of the potential risks and adopting careful strategies, you can help foster a safer and healthier digital environment for your family. It's not merely about restricting access; it's about equipping your children to navigate the digital world responsibly and safely.

References

• JAMA Psychiatry, "Association of Screen Time and Depression in Adolescence," 2019.
• Clinical Psychological Science, "Increases in Depressive Symptoms, Suicide-Related Outcomes, and Suicide Rates Among U.S. Adolescents After 2010 and Links to Increased New Media Screen Time," 2018.
• The Guardian, "The Cambridge Analytica Files," 2018.