Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
In the current era of technology, it is beyond doubt that social networks are a part of life, but the impact of social media on mental health is increasingly becoming a topic of concern.
With the existence of such platforms as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., people are more connected than ever before. Social media does not only change the modes of interactions, but also modifies self and other perceptions. Nevertheless, one cannot ignore the impact of social networks on mental health, for they can facilitate or hinder one’s state of mind, depending on usage patterns.
The Pros of Social Media
When looked at objectively in regards to mental health, for example, the media, and especially social networks can be helpful when used wisely, which is often a difficult task.
Social Connectivity
No wall is high these days, since social media has made it possible for everyone to go around the world and to meet relatives and their friends.
It helps people to keep in touch with others who are far away, and who, under normal circumstances, would be extremely hard to maintain contact with.
Network of Support
There are places such as online forums, where people come to express their thoughts and concerns and receive emotional support in return..
There are also websites such as Facebook that have groups and health relevant websites that assist people in helping those suffering from such problems ass mental illnesses.
Awareness and Education
Social media is an important tool when it comes to mental health awareness.
Contents and stories on how to manage anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental illnesses help in creating interest in mental health and also reducing the discrimination faced by the mentally ill when seeking assistance.
Enhanced Creativity and Self-Expression
Social media allows people to express themselves, which can have a positive effect on mental health.
People express themselves in one way or the other whether through drawing, music, or writing, and many such platforms have a healing power.
Also Read: Breathing Techniques to Reduce Stress
The Cons of Social Media
On the other hand, there are a lot of issues also associated with social media that have the potentiality of bringing about adverse health implications especially on mental wellness.
Comparison Culture
This is where in most cases users of social networks are in constant affirmation of the life they are living against that of others perceived to be living a better life but instead continues to allow filtered forms of images.
Such experiences have been known to cause self-worth issues, envy and in worst cases, depression where many users felt that they do not measure up to the existing benchmark.
Cyber Bullying
As social media becomes part of an everyday life for most people, social media has led to an increase in cyberbullying.
Almost everybody and majority of people who are subjected to online harassment suffer from psychological distress with symptoms such as anxiety, depression and in the worst cases even contemplating suicide.
Disruption of Sleep
Overusing social media and involving such behaviour before sleeping can affect one’s sleeping behaviour.
The blue screens causes delayed melatonin secretion which hence causes difficulties in sleeping and restless nights.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
FOMO is Fear of Missing out syndrome caused by the excessive use of social networks. Seeing various people at various places enjoying different events and activities makes them anxious and stresses them as though they have no life to live.
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Signs That Social Media is Impacting Your Mental Health
More importantly, If social media is affecting your mental health, it is valuable to note the symptoms at an early stage.
Constant Need for Validation
If you are seeking likes, shares, and comments, it could also suggest that you may be overdependent on social media for self-esteem.
Increased Loneliness
Even when ‘connected’, many users feel alone. The absence of direct, real-world contact, which is replaced by electronic communication through social networks, can intensify the feeling of loneliness.
Mood Changes and Anxiety
If you feel anxious or experience mood changes after using social media, it can indicate some content that you are consuming is affecting you.
It could also be that negative posts, news, or comparisons are causing the emotional changes.
Lower Self-Worth
Social networks contain distorted images and content which leads to body and self-image issues which result in a low self-esteem.
Social Media Addiction
The introduction of various social media applications has complicated the lives of many individuals who, at times, are unable to place a time limit on their usage.
What is social media addiction?
It is an unbearable urge to be on or interact with any form of social media no matter the time, place, or activity.
So, other signs may include spending excessive hours on websites, losing any sense of time, and even behaving in a restless or anxious manner if there is a break from being online.
Psychological Effects
Cognitive science proposes that through one of the available social media, the user is encouraged to reward himself by using his brain, mainly, with the help of the chemical dopamine.
This mechanism encourages a repeat of the action and so causes the development of an addiction that is difficult to overcome.
Impact on Daily Life
Social media overuse can be said to cause relational problems, decrease efficiency, and cause distress to the mind.
Individuals can prefer virtual communication more than physical engagement and interaction which may bring about stress and withdrawal from society.
How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship with Social Media
Social media is widely used today and more so considered a need by most people. This results in a lot of health related issues.Â
Some of the useful tips include:
Setting Boundaries
Restrict the time spent on social media by setting a certain number of hours to be spent on those platforms daily or after a couple of days. Eliminate unnecessary alerts in order to lessen interruptions as well as worrying.
Self-Control
Be deliberate about the types of content that you wish to engage in. Seek out accounts that are encouraging and positive and remove those who do the opposite of your well-being.
Digital Detoxification
Social media breaks, especially when prolonged, may be of great benefit in improving an individual’s life. Take scheduled breaks from social media by marking days on a calendar to engage in real-life interactions.
ConclusionÂ
It is agreeable that social media affects mental health in both good ways and bad ways. It supports social relations, awareness, artistic expression, and many other activities. However, it also causes social comparison, online harassment, and dependence. This is crucial because moderation helps in almost all healthy aspects including the usage of social networks. Reflect on your usage of social media, and how it affects you, and improve your lifestyle for the better.
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