The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
- Joana Bollo
- May 23, 2024
- 4 min read
In our current age, social media plays a big role in people’s lives. However, the big question is, what effect does social media have on our mental health? Time spent on social media might affect our perceptions of ourselves and our interpersonal interactions. By taking a closer look at how social media can worsen pre-existing mental health conditions, individuals can learn strategies for using social media more healthily that are crucial to understand so that an individual feels better all around. Knowing these techniques is key to grasping understanding how our online behaviors impact our happiness.
“Facebook Depression” is a phenomenon in which individuals who spend excess time on social media can exhibit signs of depression (Amedie, 2015). However, the psychological effects of social media platforms for individuals are not limited to Facebook. People who spend a lot of time online, may be more inclined to feel down. This is a result of the tendency for constant social media use and hyper-awareness of oneself and what other people might think about youthem. For example, if someone shares their photo on Instagram, they might get fixated on receiving likes or comments. Stress and worry might be brought on by this ongoing demand for approval. Individuals who are overly hooked to social media may experience increased anxiety and depression (Woods & Scott 2016). This occurs because they may feel left out when they do not use social media. Self-esteem might be negatively impacted by continuously reading posts from others about living their best life which can make people feel inadequate. Healthy habits are essential to creating a healthy online environment. These habits can be
summed up with the following suggestions: 1) We should prioritize living in the present. 2) We
should make an effort to connect authentically and promote happiness by reaching out to loved ones. 3) Limiting the people we connect with only to those who make us happy. 4) Spending more time in person than scrolling through social media apps (MindandHeart 2024). It takes more than just following rules or social media protocol to create a healthy online environment. We need to take a broader approach that puts our mental and emotional health first and encourage real interactions. First and foremost, it is imperative to stress the value of living in the present. In a time when there are a lot of distractions fighting for our attention, mindfulness training helps us to focus, enjoy the beauty of our surroundings, and interact more deeply with what we come across online. Through active attention to the present, we can reduce the negative effects of too much screen time and build a more positive relationship with technology. The foundation of a balanced good online experience is real relationships. Since humans are social animals by nature, our connections and our happiness and mental strength are shaped by the relationships that we have. Regularly connecting with loved ones, whether via virtual events or genuine messaging, strengthens the ties that hold us through life’s highs and lows. It is important to understand that honesty involves more than just pursuing happiness on the surface; it also involves accepting risk, handling disagreement gracefully, and building meaningful relationships based on respect and understanding. In addition, it is important to balance real and online relationships. Even if social media platforms provide never-before-seen chances for communication, overuse of them can worsen feelings of isolation and disconnection. Making in-person contacts and meaningful offline experiences first helps us develop empathy, strengthen bonds, and increase our sense of connection. Engaging in offline activities, such as going on a walk with a friend or attending a community event, improves our lives and strengthens our social connections.
In conclusion, even though social media clearly plays a big part in our lives, its effects on
mental health is too large to ignore. The widespread impacts of constant social media use and
the phenomena known as “Facebook Depression” highlight the necessity of taking a thoughtful balanced approach to online interactions. Spending too much time on social media can worsen make feelings of unworthiness, anxiety, and depression worse since it can lead to a hyper awareness of other people’s opinions and a constant need for approval. We can make the internet a happier place if we prioritize mental and emotional health and develop good habits. Important principles of this strategy include a focus on self-awareness, genuine connection, and finding a balance between online and offline contacts. By being in the moment, establishing sincere connections, and taking part in meaningful offline activities. We have the power to reduce social media’s negative impacts and create a happier, healthier online experience. Eventually, encouraging a culture of health in the age of technology requires a knowledge of how our online actions affect how we feel.
References
Amedie, J. (2015). The Impact of Social Media on Society. Pop Culture Intersections.
MindHandHeart. (2020, January 23). Nine tips for healthy social media use. MIT News |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://news.mit.edu/2020/mindhandheart-nine-
Woods, H. C., & Scott, H. (2016). #Sleepyteens: Social Media Use in Adolescence Is Associated with Poor Sleep Quality, Anxiety, Depression and Low Self-Esteem, 51(1), 41–49.
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