Social media, undoubtedly, has become a significant part of our life. The reason relies on the human's social nature. Humans are social beings who enjoy connecting with others, ultimately impacting our mental health. Being socially involved can help reduce stress and depression, steam self-worth, and bring joy and happiness, which is possible due to the liberation of serotonin by the brain. However, the lack of social interaction can adversely affect our mental health.
In our contemporary society, the phenomenon of social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapshot, Twitter, and Facebook, among others, are becoming impactful in our communication systems. These platforms are gaining popularity because they allow us to connect with people worldwide and represent ourselves in a virtual world as we wish. However, it is essential to consider they will never surpass real-world interactions.
Social media can bring benefits to their users. These benefits include sharing with people with the same interest as you, joining or promoting awareness of relevant social issues, and finding an outlet to express yourself. Social media could be a great source of information if used properly. Even though the positives exist, it is deniable that social media has a dark side as well.
The excessive use of social platforms can harm a person's mental health. Since social media is a relatively new technology, there is little research about its consequences in the long term. However, much evidence shows a strong link between social platforms and the rise in depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
Indicators that social media may affect your mental health include spending more time online rather than with real friends, being distracted at school or work, comparing unfavorably with other people, having sleep problems, fear of missing out (FOMO), increased depression and anxiety, and engaging in risky activities to gain likes.
Personal Statement
I choose this issue because I have personally experienced the positive and the negative of social media. For one part, it has allowed me to contact my family, who are currently out of the country. It has also helped me to engage with groups that stand for causes I am interested in. On the contrary, when I use social media extensively, I develop insomnia, ultimately affecting other aspects of my life, especially my mental health. I have noticed that lacking sleep affects my mood negatively and my capacity to get things done, translating into anxiety. Even though my experience with such technologies is not as bad as others can experiment with or are currently going through, I can see how many people struggle with this issue. Therefore, it is fundamental to be aware of the consequences of extensive use of social platforms.
What Can be Done?
Self-control and listening to your body are key. If, at some point, you feel overwhelmed by the use of social media, it is crucial to take a break. A 2018 University of Pennsylvania study found that reducing social media use to 30 minutes a day significantly reduced levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, sleep problems, and FOMO. The same study also showed that being mindful of what we consume on such platforms can improve our mental health. Much content engages with things we like or would like to learn. Looking for content that relates to this is a wise decision. Even so, it is essential to mention that non of the above activities would replace professional help. Seeking professional help is always the best option when dealing with mental health issues, including the ones derived from the use of social media.
Here are some resources to seek help:
Community Response:
"Social media has affected the way I view my life because of all of the false advertisement of "perfect" lives."
Ashley G.
"Social media has affected my mental health because it has changed the way I view myself. All the filters and apps used in such platforms had really changed beauty standards."
Navid C.
"Social media has affected me personally because it spikes my anxiety by having to deal with a fear of missing out on stuff happening on the internet."
Imelda M.
References:
Gordon, Sherri. “How Social Media Impacts Your Mental Health.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 4 Jan. 2021, https://www.verywellmind.com/link-between-social-media-and-mental-health-5089347.
“The Social Dilemma: Social Media and Your Mental Health.” Here's How Social Media Affects Your Mental Health | McLean Hospital, 18 Jan. 2023, https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health.
Karim, Fazida, et al. “Social Media Use and Its Connection to Mental Health: A Systematic Review.” Cureus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 June 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7364393/.
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