Social Media, Resilience, and Well-being

Social media platforms have become important tools for mental health awareness and well-being. A person’s well-being is a complex combination of one’s social, spiritual, mental, and physical health. Marine Corps Total Fitness (MCTF), which is holistic wellness, strengthens mission readiness, resiliency, overall satisfaction with life, and happiness.  

Social media use can enhance mental well-being and resiliency in various ways. According to a 2020 study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the use of social media, where a person accesses it as part of an everyday routine, may produce positive mental health related outcomes.  

One potential wellness benefit of healthy social media use is an increased sense of belonging and emotional support. It can help people expand their social network, as well as increase their chances of finding resources for support and education.  

Healthy social media use may also help a person to build a sense of community. This may be accomplished by helping people feel connected to others who share similar views, values, and experiences. Military families moving from location to location, often in differing time zones, may find it challenging to maintain long-term social connections. 

Social media platforms allow for relationships to continue long after a person has moved to the next duty station.   

Social media may also provide a platform for sharing coping strategies. People can share advice, empathetic support, and resources, and provide a sense of community surrounding a common issue.  

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) provides many resources to assist Marines and their families with holistic wellness. Visit the MCCS website at your installation for programs that may meet your needs.