Many Psychologists from different parts of the world are of the view that the use of social media can be very addictive. Its consequences are pretty similar to other addictions like depression, anxiety, lack of self-belief and many more.
It is not hidden anymore that too much use of social media can lead to its addiction. It is in human nature that we try to stay in contact with each other. The social connection keeps us healthy and happy in numerous ways. The social media has made it a lot easier for us to stay in contact with each other. But on the other side it has made us physically isolated from the world around us. This can lead to some serious mental issues.
If you or your kids are spending too much time on social media and you are often feeling sad, frustrated and lonely then you should try to change your online habits.
Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
The amount of time spent on social media can only be evaluated from its impact on your mood and other aspects of life. For instance your social media use can be considered negative if it is keep you away from performing your daily tasks or if it is dragging you away from face to face and real relationships. Moreover if you use the social media because you want to make others jealous then it can also be considered negative.
These are some signs that social media is negatively affecting your mental health:
Comparing yourself with others
You are continuously comparing yourself with others in your social media friend list and you are experiencing low self-esteem.
Spending more time on social media
If you are using social media even when you are hanging out with your friends and you feel the need to check social media so that you know what others are doing.
Experiencing loss of self control
You worry about what people think and post about you on social media.
Distracted at your office or school
You feel urge of posting something new to get more likes or comments. Or you are feeling the need of responding to an online friend’s post while at work or during school.
Sleeping problem
You check social media before going to your bed at night and after waking up in the morning. The light from you mobile phone or laptop can have a serious impact on your mental and physical health. Moreover this habit can cause sleeping problems too.
Depression and Anxiety
You feel lonely, depressed and demotivated after using social media rather than feeling happy or fresh.
Some negative features of excessive use of social media
Social media is new to the world and therefore very little research has been done about its use and consequences in the longer run. Some studies have found a very strong link between excessive social media and increasing risks of depression, anxiety, self obsession and self-harm.
The excessive use of social media can lead to negative experiences such as;
Isolation
A recent research at the University of Pennsylvania has found that too much use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter increases the feelings of loneliness. The study has also found that lesser use of these platforms can make you feel healthy, happy and lesser lonely.
Depression and Anxiety
It is important to meet face to face with others in order to stay healthy because human beings are social creatures. In order to boost your mood and reduce depression, it is important to have face to face contact with someone who cares about you. When you will neglect meeting people face to face and stay busy using social media then you will be at risk to endure depression and anxiety.
Self obsession
Sharing a lot of pictures and everything related to your daily life will lead to self obsession. And this will take you away from your real life healthy connections.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
The use of websites like Facebook and Instgram often make us feel that others are living better lives than us. The thought that you are missing out something very important in your life can cause anxiety, frustration and low self esteem. FOMO can make you pick up your phone every minute just to check new notifications.
Cyber-bullying
People also experience hurtful comments on social media. People often post negative comments and statements on Twitter.
How to improve your mental health?
This is how you can stay healthy and well motivated;
- Reduce the use of social media
- Turnoff your phone while going to bed
- Engage in healthy activities with your family and friends
- Use social media to stay in contact with the people you know personally and use it only to communicate with them when it is important
- Spend more time with your friends
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