Should I Delete Social Media? Navigating Mental Health Amid Political Changes and New president

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In This Blog, You’ll Learn:

How political news on social media increases anxiety, depression, and attention issues
How limiting or taking a break from social media can help you cope with presidential policies and political stress
How social media affects relationships, teens, and body image during political shifts
Why social media is both good and bad for mental health during major government transitions
How to decide if deleting or limiting social media is right for you

Let’s be real. If you've ever asked yourself, "Should I delete social media?" you’re not alone. With a new president in office and major policy shifts underway in America, the constant flood of political news, debates, and opinions can feel overwhelming. Social media has turned into a battleground for government updates, emotional reactions, and heated political arguments. Maybe you’re feeling burnt out by the latest executive orders, frustrated by misinformation, or drained from endless discussions about the future of healthcare, education, and the economy. If so, it might be time to rethink your relationship with social media. So, should you delete it? Let’s break it down.

How Limiting Social Media Can Help You Cope with Political Changes

Politics is everywhere on social media, and with new policies, executive orders, and government debates unfolding daily, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or even hopeless after scrolling through your feed.

Here’s how limiting or taking a break from social media can help you cope with political stress:

Avoid doomscrolling. Staying informed is important, but constantly reading worst-case scenarios can increase anxiety. How to avoid doomscrolling? Instead of endlessly refreshing the news, taking a break allows you to focus on your mental well-being.
Filter out misinformation. Social media platforms are notorious for spreading sensationalized or misleading news. Cutting back on screen time can help you avoid stress, misinformation, and unnecessary panic.
Reduce online arguments. Political discussions can turn toxic fast. If you find yourself emotionally drained by online debates, family fights, or hostile comment sections, stepping away can protect your peace.
Reclaim your focus and energy. Instead of spending hours reading reactions and comments, redirect that energy into real-world action—volunteering, engaging in local advocacy, or taking care of your mental health.
Improve your relationships. If political discussions have been straining friendships or family dynamics, a social media detox can give you time to reconnect with people in healthier ways.

If political stress is affecting your mental health, it might be time to set limits on your social media use or step away completely for a while.

How Political News on Social Media Increases Anxiety, Depression, and Attention Issues

There’s growing evidence that social media affects mental health in complex ways. Research suggests that excessive use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and focus issues, especially when political news dominates your feed.

Can social media cause anxiety? Yes. Constant exposure to political debates, government policy changes, and divisive headlines can heighten feelings of uncertainty and worry. Political stress can lead to chronic anxiety, sleep disturbances, and even physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue.
Can social media cause depression? Studies show that frequent exposure to negative news, online arguments, and political conflicts can contribute to depression. Feeling powerless about government decisions, seeing misinformation spread, or experiencing online harassment can all impact mental health.
Can social media cause ADHD-like symptoms? While social media doesn’t cause ADHD, its fast-paced, emotionally charged nature makes it harder to focus. Constantly switching between political updates, news articles, and social media debates can increase mental fatigue, distractibility, and stress.

If political news is making you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or unfocused, it might be time to set boundaries or even take a break.

How Social Media Affects Relationships, Teens, and Society During Political Changes

How social media affects relationships

Have you ever fought with a friend, family member, or partner over something political they posted online? You’re not alone. Social media has amplified political divisions, making discussions about new laws, executive orders, and government policies more personal than ever. If political debates are damaging your relationships, setting social media boundaries or taking a break can help restore balance.

Unfriending over politics. More people are cutting ties over political beliefs. Whether it's over healthcare, immigration, or economic policies, social media makes it easy to remove people who don’t share your views.
Strain on relationships. Arguments over presidential policies or controversial laws can create tension between partners, friends, and family members.
Cancel culture and call-outs. People feel pressure to say the "right" thing online, leading to fear, self-censorship, and judgment from others.

How social media affects teens mental health

For teenagers, political stress is overwhelming. They’re exposed to activism, protests, and debates, often before they’re emotionally ready to process complex issues. If your teen is showing signs of anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from social activities, encourage offline conversations, screen limits, and mental health check-ins.

Political stress at a young age. Teens are constantly absorbing climate change concerns, gun laws, and education policies, leading to feelings of helplessness.
Cyberbullying and activism pressure. Many teens feel pressured to take a stand on political issues, which can lead to harassment, bullying, and social isolation.
Activism burnout. Teens may feel overwhelmed by the expectation to be informed, engaged, and politically vocal at all times.

Why Social Media Is Both Good and Bad During Political Changes

Why social media can be harmful right now

It fuels anxiety and outrage. The fast spread of political news, misinformation, and negative headlines can make people feel constantly on edge.
It deepens political divisions. Social media echo chambers reinforce one-sided perspectives, making discussions more polarized.
It’s emotionally exhausting. Keeping up with policy changes, protests, and government actions can lead to burnout and hopelessness.

Why social media can be helpful right now

It helps people stay informed. Following reliable news sources can help people understand policy changes without misinformation.
It builds community and support. Social media connects people to mental health resources, advocacy groups, and like-minded individuals.
It turns stress into action. Instead of doomscrolling, people can find ways to volunteer, donate, and make a difference.

So… Should You Delete Social Media?

That’s up to you. If social media is making you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected from real life, a break or a digital detox might be exactly what you need. If you use social media intentionally, to connect, learn, and grow, it can be a great tool. If you’re struggling to set boundaries with social media, talking to a therapist near me or a counselor near me can help. At Mountains Therapy NJ, we help people navigate modern mental health challenges, including managing digital stress.