March 2026: Social Media & The Impact on Mental Health

Social media touches almost every part of how we research, connect, share, and get information. It influences how we relate to others, compare ourselves, shop, and express who we are. It also affects how our clients see and experience their lives.

In March, we’ll talk about this in group clinical supervision and go beyond simple ideas like “social media is bad” or “just delete the apps.” Social media can be powerful, helping people find community, explore identity, learn, and get support. But it can also affect attention, empathy, real connection, and feelings of safety, especially for clients who are already stressed, isolated, or vulnerable.

We’re offering this topic twice online:
Monday, March 2, 5 to 7 pm MT
Monday, March 16, 5 to 7 pm MT

This group is for Colorado social workers, counselors, and therapists who want clarity on how to have conversations with their clients about the impact of their social media use and to assess the benefits and challenges in their own lives.

Why we’re covering this in group supervision

Social media isn’t just an add-on. It’s part of our environment and relationships, shaping how we think, feel, and make sense of ourselves and our worlds.

We often hear about social media in our work with clients when we consider body image, conflict, doom scrolling, increased anxiety and depression, and sleep issues. We also hear about the positive aspects: an increased sense of community, self-expression, acceptance, shared interests, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. It also shows up indirectly through feelings like shame, disconnection, loneliness, and the pressure to appear successful or well.

Many clients feel both attached to and hurt by their digital lives. They might dislike how it affects them, but still depend on it for stimulation, connection, community, or escape. This mixed feeling deserves our respect as clinicians. When we talk about social media without judgment, clients are more likely to be honest with us.

This topic affects us, too. Social media can influence our focus, our ability to be present, and our sense of self-worth, especially when we have heavy workloads.

What we’ll explore together

The psychology of online life

We’ll explore how social media affects attention, anxiety, mood, and attachment. We’ll talk about how it feels impossible to “simply stop”, and why shame and restriction aren’t often effective. We’ll also look at how algorithms and engagement tools can encourage outrage, fear, and comparison.

Digital boundaries

We’ll talk about boundaries and routines without assuming clients can just quit social media. We’ll discuss how to talk about use without sounding parental, how to consider its purpose and drawbacks, and how to support efforts to try new approaches. We’ll consider questions like:

• What does this platform give you that you can’t get elsewhere?

• What does it take from you?

• What happens before, during, and after you scroll?

• What would “less harmful” look like?

We’ll discuss the clinical and ethical issues therapists face, such as online visibility, confidentiality, and boundaries. We’ll talk about situations, like clients looking up their therapist online, seeing each other on social media, or asking to follow accounts. We’ll also discuss how clinicians can manage their own online presence.

Prep for March

To support a shared foundation, we’re inviting participants to engage with a few core materials ahead of the group.

Watch or Listen
Liberated Being Podcast, How Social Media Is Changing Us with Jane Clapp

Read
Is Social Media Reflecting Our Pathology or Adding to It, AllPsych
A short social media detox improves mental health, a study shows. Here’s how to do it, NPR

Optional materials are available to enrolled participants who want to learn more about neuroscience, public health, or how algorithms shape our understanding of culture.

Who this group is for

This group is for Colorado social workers, counselors, and therapists who work with people of all ages and want to feel more confident talking about social media in sessions. You don’t need to specialize in teens or technology to benefit. If you often work with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, identity, or shame, this conversation will be helpful.

Join us in March

We’re offering this topic twice, statewide and online through Zoom:
Monday, March 2, 5 to 7 pm MT
Monday, March 16, 5 to 7 pm MT

If you’re looking for Colorado group clinical supervision that encourages reflection and builds practical skills, we’d love to have you join us.