Generation+Y+and+Mental+Health

Name: Jennifer Ashby Student Number: 00649309 Tutor: Abbey Hamilton

**__CULTURAL ARTEFACT __**

Social Networking Sites (SNSs) are web-based services that allow participants to:
 * 1) Build public or private profile pages within the limitations of their chosen networking domain,
 * 2) Add or reject individuals based on prior social relationships, and
 * 3) View and peruse theirs and other’s friendship lists within the domain.

The artefact examined in this paper centres on Facebook, an online SNS that has evolved into an essential communicating tool for Generation Y[1]. Facebook promotes socialisation by tapping into an individual’s existing social relations in a virtual space (Keenan & Shiri, 2009).



Facebook also creates a “real world” by encouraging users to use their actual name as compared to previous SNSs that advocated users to choose a screen name.



**__PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE __** Generation Y is constantly utilising latest technologies as forms of communication and socialisation; Facebook being the dominant SNS. Studies have confirmed that Internet use is linked to psychological distress (Hetzel-Riggin & Pritchard, 2011; Marin, 2010). The Australian Bureau of Statistics (cited in Stark, 2008) highlighted that 26 per cent of people aged between 16 to 24, approximately 650,000 people, experienced mental illness in 2007; one in ten attempted suicide. A Monash University study revealed that 97.9 per cent of Generation Y used the Internet on a weekly basis; 98.7 percent owned a mobile phone; and 81.6 per cent owned a digital camera (Smith cited in Daniels, 2007). Possible repercussions that may arise due to frequent Internet use could generate social isolation, anxiety disorders and depression in Generation Y.

**__LITERATURE REVIEW __**

According to Jones Lang La Salle’s (cited in Daniels, 2007) research on market trends for the retail industry in Australia, Generation Y will develop into a substantial percentage of consumerism by 2015 when they are at the most influential stage of their prime years. Currently, 5.5 million Australians, approximately 25 per cent of the population, form this cohort. As compared to previous generations, Generation Y is exposed to the widest variety of choices due to growing up in a media-saturated and brand-conscious world. As a result, Generation Y influence and is influenced by fashion and popular cultural trends. The consequence of this significance has made Generation Y a more individualistic group that is obsessed with change and constant activity, who want it all and want it now (Daniels, 2007).

Goodman (cited in Wandel, 2008) stated that technology has been interwoven into the everyday lives of Generation Y such that it is their lives. This generation is so involved with their computers and gadgets that they fail to communicate on a face-to-face basis. In addition, Internet technology has opened up pre-existing communication delivery in relation to speed, amount and distance of information available to individuals (Marin, 2010). This digital age encourages social interaction and networking between users through multimodal platforms, such as smartphones, Internet and television (Keenan & Shiri, 2009). The media, fuelled by the Internet, has exposed Generation Y to the lives of celebrities in an interpersonal way like never before. The constant social interaction between celebrities and Generation Y through social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook has increased feelings of familiarity and admiration. Celebrity worship has been found to be associated with social dysfunction and depressive symptoms (Sheridan, North, Maltby, & Gillett, 2007). It is a behavioural representation of poor psychological well-being, arising from unrealistic expectations to achieve that celebrity life. People who are involved in celebrity worship are influenced by their celebrities’ everyday decisions. This in turn, may inspire and stimulate Generation Y’s consumerism behavior (Sheridan, North, Maltby, & Gillett, 2007).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Moreover, SNSs assist users to meet new acquaintances and maintain friendships with new or existing friends (Wandel, 2008). In particular, Facebook has attracted more than 90 million active users who are mainly college students and is being used by higher education institutions to reach out and communicate with these students (Wandel, 2008). The aim of Facebook is to provide an extension of an individual’s social life in a web environment by transforming pre-existing socialisation methods (Keenan & Shiri, 2009). Facebook offers an array of choices to inspire interactions via blogging, public discussions, media sharing, events, picture postings and a plethora of other elements. In addition, it endorses private socialisation as users are required to give permission in order to “add friend”. With the introduction of an in-browser instant messenger feature, users are able to interact and chat with their friends instantly (Keenan & Shiri, 2009). This technology has greatly influenced the platform of social networking into an all-inclusive web-based social communication system. Although Facebook allows users to connect with various networks, there is a need to be aware of the implications that may arise as a result of publishing their private lives online. <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">On the flip side social networking poses negative consequences as it may increase feelings of loneliness and isolation (Marin, 2010). Prior studies on the Internet and its harmful effects focused on general Internet use instead of specific forms of Internet applications. Problematic Internet Use (PIU) has become an emerging issue among adolescents; it has been linked to increased rates of depression in both high school and university students (Hetzel-Riggin & Pritchard, 2011). Individuals with PIU chose Internet communication as a way to control their emotions, such as self-blame and venting. It was also noted that depression triggered increased Internet use for people already with PIU; they were also more likely to use the Internet to escape reality as it provides a buffer against person-to-person interactions (Hetzel-Riggin & Pritchard, 2011).

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">It may be assumed that Facebook enhances a person’s social ranking by allowing the individual to access a variety of networks worldwide. While Facebook seems to open up diverse connections, by enabling participants to view the constantly updated profiles and pictures of others, there is a tendency that individuals start comparing their lives to others (Gosling, Augustine, Vazire, Holtzman, & Gaddis, 2011). Facebook permits users to compare their lives with others, and this determines their sense of social worth. Online Social Networking sites (OSNs) reflect how personality is being perceived from observable profile information. An example of a personality type is an extravert, whose online behaviour matches his offline social life. Extraverts enjoy socialisation which complements their online persona, which can be observed via their Facebook profile and picture postings. The hypothesis of the rich-get-richer applies to OSNs for extraverts tapping into their pre-existing social capital, allowing them to gain larger social benefits from Internet use as compared to introverts (Gosling et al., 2011). As a result, social anxiety, social support, self-esteem, and personality traits are associated with the choices of Internet applications. Individuals who spend more time on specific Internet applications tend to be more susceptible to the negative consequences and psychological instability (Marin, 2010).

**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS __**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">While the idea of social networking is to connect with others rapidly and briefly, it tends to form superficial conversations between the parties, which if not careful, may lead to feelings of social isolation. Like a round-robin letter, Facebook tends to exemplify all the wonderful events in a person’s life. This may reinforce negative self-worth in an individual when they make comparisons between the perceived picture postings, status updates and the reality of their own lives (Gosling et al., 2011). <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Social comparison theory is a hypothesis created by Leon Festinger (1954) whereby individuals are driven to assess their self-worth by comparing themselves to others. There are two main types of social comparison: Upward social comparison and Downward social comparison. Upward social comparison transpires when individuals compare themselves to others who are considered to have a higher social status (Suls, Martin, & Wheeler, 2002). Celebrity worship is a form of upward social comparison, where individuals find themselves being too caught up with comparing their lives to their idol’s life. These individuals usually have a distorted outlook on life and are prone to copying their idols with negative consequences. Sheridan et al. (2007) has also noted that celebrity worshippers are prone to suicides following their high-profile celebrity suicides. Furthermore, access to their celebrities’ personal lives has been possible through OSNs, in particular, Facebook. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Furthermore, a RMIT University study has showed that Facebook participants are more inclined to be extraverted and narcissistic (Ryan & Xenos, 2011). Users often engage in Facebook to self-promote and enhance their social image in an attempt to elevate their social status. Narcissists expect to be treated in a special way; they have a false sense of entitlement and have an excessive need for admiration accompanied by delusions of grandeur. These unpleasant qualities do not encourage long-lasting relationships and may result in loneliness and social isolation. Social isolation, loneliness and depression are all interconnected. Studies have shown that PIU is the cause of social isolation and loneliness, which leads to depression (Hetzel-Riggin & Pritchard, 2011). Durkheim’s sociological theory on egoistic suicide discusses the relationship between depression, social isolation and loneliness. The lack of assimilation into the community or society results in the loss of meaning and interest in the individual’s life, which leads to depression and suicide (Pickering & Walford, 2000).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">The need for mental health reform is essential as 75 per cent of mental health issues are emerging before the age of 25 (Sammut, 2011). These statistics fall within the age group of Generation Y. It is crucial that this issue is addressed as mental health is expected to increase and the current inadequate hospital system is unable to meet these demands (McGorry, 2011). While this mental health issue affects Australians from all walks of life, they are gradually becoming aware of this situation and the lack of government funding required. McGorry (2011) suggests that a more community-based care system that focuses on early intervention would be more economically viable than the current service model. It was emphasised that mental health funding needs to be doubled so that resources allocated to mental health care can meet the actual demands of the Australian society.

**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">ANALYSIS OF THE ARTEFACT __** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Facebook is a representation of social status and communication. It connects people from all over the world within the shortest amount of time. As it is a very recent social phenomenon, there is a lack of research into the psychological impacts of Facebook users. Generally, Facebook is one of the most popular OSNs and is used as a communicative tool by Generation Y to interact with each other on a regular daily basis. This research has allowed me to define and dissect the different personality types of Facebook users, and explain how each individual interact with it. This in turn, influences the comprehension on the benefits and consequences in relation to mental health on Generation Y.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">On surface value, the concept of OSNs and depression seems to be the least interrelated as OSNs are often valued for being efficient in spreading information to the mass population within a short period of time. Mental health issues can be treated effectively if early awareness and intervention is made available to the public. Personally, as a parent and a future teacher, this assessment has deepened my awareness on the connections and implications of social networking. It highlights the importance for future research as educational instituitions are establishing the implementation of OSNs into the curriculum. Since Generation Y is the first cohort to be integrated with technology, this study could pioneer future analyses into the effects and impacts of OSNs when relating to upcoming generations.

**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">LINKS __** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">[|Clear Thinking Queensland]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">[|Youth Beyond Blue]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">[|SANE Australia]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">[|Headroom]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">[|Reachout.com]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">[|Kids Helpline]

**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">REFERENCES __** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Daniels, S. (2007). //Gen Y Considerations for the Retail Industry.// Melbourne: Monash University Business and Economics.

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Human Relations //<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">, 7(2) 117-140.

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Gosling, S. D., Augustine, A. A., Vazire, S., Holtzman, N., & Gaddis, S. (2011). Manifestations of personality in online social networks: Self-reported facebook-related behaviors and observable profile information. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Cyberpsychology, ////<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Behavior and Social Networking, ////<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">14 // <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">(9), 483-488.

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Hetzel-Riggin, M. D., & Pritchard, J. R. (2011). Predicting problematic internet use in men and women: The contributions of psychological distress, coping style, and body esteem.//Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking,// //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">14 // <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">(9), 519-525.

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Keenan, A., & Shiri, A. (2009). Sociability and social interaction on social networking websites. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Library Review,58 // <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">(6), 438-450.

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Marin, J. (2010). //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">An examination of social anxiety, relationship support, self-esteem, personality traits, and motivations for online gaming and internet usage. ////<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. //

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">McGorry, P. (2011, September 6). //Building a national mental health system - a 21st century engineering challenge//. Retrieved November 1, 2011, from Working for Mental Health Reform: []

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Pickering, W. S. F., & Walford, G. (Eds.). (2000). //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Durkheim's suicide: A century of research and debate //<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">. London: Routledge.

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Ryan, T., & Xenos, S. (2011). Who uses facebook? an investigation into the relationship between the big five, shyness, narcissism, loneliness, and facebook usage. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR, 27 //<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">(5), 1658-1664.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Sammut, K. (2011, October 17). //Mental health's impact on many lives//. Retrieved November 1, 2011, from Sunbury Leader: []

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Sheridan, L., North, A., Maltby, J., & Gillett, R. (2007). Celebrity worship, addiction and criminality. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">PSYCHOLOGY CRIME & LAW, ////<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">13 // <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">(6), 559-571.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Stark, J. (2008, October 24). //Mental illness ravaging nation's youth//. Retrieved October 16, 2011, from The Age: []

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Suls, J., Martin, R., & Wheeler, L. (2002). Social Comparison: Why, with whom and with what effect? //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Current Directions in Psychological Science //<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">, 11(5), 159-163.

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Wandel, T. L. (2008). Colleges and universities want to be your friend: Communicating via online social networking. //Planning for Higher Education,// //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">37 // <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">(1), 35.

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">[1]Generation Y refer to people born between 1978 and 1994.

**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">REFLECTIONS __** []

[]