The Impact of Social Media on Human Flourishing and Mental Health: A Personalist Perspective

Dear Editor,

Pope St. John Paul II's personalist philosophy underlines human flourishing as the active participation in social life through relationships, solidarity, and an inherent respect for human dignity.

Social media has indisputably revolutionized communication, fostering global connections, and the sharing of diverse experiences. This aligns with John Paul II's “communio” concept, where individuals find self-realization through self-giving and community engagement. It has provided a platform for self-expression, a virtual space where individuals can share personal experiences, ideas, and interests. This connectedness and shared understanding mirror aspects of human flourishing in John Paul II's teachings.

Additionally, the global nature of social media can bolster the principle of solidarity, rallying people around shared causes and fostering awareness for societal issues. This capacity for collective action reflects John Paul II's emphasis on our shared responsibility toward the marginalized and vulnerable.

However, the ramifications of social media use are not uniformly positive. The unchecked freedom of online interactions sometimes leads to a disregard for the inherent dignity of individuals. Incidences of cyberbullying, trolling, and online harassment are stark contradictions to the principle of mutual respect and love underlined in John Paul II's teachings. The stress and anxiety resulting from such experiences can significantly impact an individual's mental health.

Moreover, despite the sense of community social media platforms offer, these online connections often lack the depth and intimacy found in face-to-face interactions. The focus on curated personal portrayals can lead to shallow relationships that inadequately fulfill our inherent need for deeper connections. This superficiality can leave individuals feeling isolated and lonely, negatively impacting their mental well-being.

Further exacerbating the mental health crisis is the culture of comparison and envy bred by social media. The portrayal of idealized lifestyles can lead to feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem among users. This environment deviates from John Paul II's view of work and individual contribution, where value lies in societal participation rather than self-promotion.

The encyclical Laborem exercens by Pope John Paul II emphasizes the intrinsic value of human work as a means of personal development and societal contribution. In this light, the modern challenges posed by social media, as described in the paragraph, can be seen as a deviation from this fundamental understanding of human worth. Social media platforms, while offering avenues for connection and expression, often amplify a culture of self-promotion and superficiality. The constant barrage of idealized lifestyles can overshadow the genuine contributions and efforts of individuals, leading to feelings of inadequacy.

In Laborem exercens, John Paul II underscores the importance of recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual, rooted in their capacity to work and contribute to the betterment of society. This perspective contrasts sharply with the competitive and comparative nature of social media, where value is often determined by external validation rather than intrinsic worth. The encyclical reminds us that true fulfillment and self-worth come from meaningful participation in society and the mutual recognition of each person's unique contributions. In a world dominated by curated online personas, it is essential to realign our values, recognizing that our worth is not determined by online likes or followers but by our genuine efforts, contributions, and the inherent dignity of our human nature. ¹

In conclusion, social media, while offering potential for enhanced global connection and social participation, also presents challenges to human flourishing and mental health, as defined by Pope John Paul II. The lack of respect for human dignity, the prevalence of superficial relationships, and the culture of comparison and envy can adversely impact mental health. Consequently, cultivating mindful and respectful engagement with social media is crucial. By aligning our use of social media with personalist principles, we can foster a digital culture that promotes human flourishing and mitigates adverse effects on mental health. ²

Biographical Note

Victor C. Ajluni, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University's School of Medicine in Detroit, MI. With over two decades of experience, he has served in various hospital and professional appointments, including Medical Director of Emergency Psychiatry and the University Psychiatric Center.