Does social media fuel comparison and anxiety?

FRESNO, Calif – College students are spending more time on their phones than ever before, and many say screen time is doing more harm than good.

Students like Fresno State’s Alan Gallo, find themselves comparing their own lives to picture perfect posts and feeling pressure to live up to unrealistic standards.

“I see people on Instagram who look like they have their lives completely together. It makes me feel bad about myself,” Gallo said. “Even if it’s not real, the pressure is real, and it leads to anxiety.”

From career success to body image, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have created unrealistic standards that can chip away at mental health.

Rylie Bottimore, another Fresno State student, said these images are especially harmful to younger users.

“There are so many influencers who portray beauty in a certain way body types, skin, makeup routines, and girls start to believe that’s what they have to look like,” Bottimore said.

The pressure to keep up with online perfection extends beyond appearance. Many students said they feel left behind when comparing their own lives to the highlight reels of others.

Victoria Picazo said constant comparison has become part of everyday scrolling.

“We compare our timelines, our features, what we have versus what we don’t. It’s nonstop,” Picazo said.

A University of Michigan study highlighted the rising crisis: teens and young adults are reporting higher levels of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, all while screen time increases. Psychologists say social media isn’t the only cause, but it’s a major factor.

At Fresno State, some students are learning to take control. Many are setting screen time limits, unfollowing toxic accounts or taking breaks to focus on real-life connections.

According to national data, the average teen now spends over seven hours per day on screens for entertainment. Mental health professionals say it’s important for students to reflect on how social media use makes them feel and take steps to protect their peace.

Fresno State offers free counseling and wellness support through the Student Health and Counseling Center, where students can find tools to help navigate the digital world more mindfully.