
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, with billions of people worldwide scrolling through their feeds daily, but do you know how social media affects mental health?
While it has undoubtedly brought us closer together and connected us in ways we never thought possible, there is also a darker side to social media that often goes unnoticed.
Today, I want to share how damaging social media can be to your or your loved ones’ mental health and what to do about it if you feel concerned.
Negative effects of social media on society
It’s no secret that a lot of social media is full of negative news, hurtful memes, and angry responses. And let’s also remember that hurt people hurt people. Yes, it’s also full of good and happy content too but it can feel like the bad outweighs the good sometimes.
So, what do you think all this negativity does to society as a whole? It leaves a bad taste in our mouths, makes us sad and not really trust anyone or want to be around people.
Kinda sad if you ask me.
But if you block all the negative news and toxic people from your feeds, you’re less likely to be exposed to it all. I have NO news in my feed and only happy people and memes. It’s wonderful.
I don’t watch the news and stay away from toxic conversations. Remember, you have a choice to engage or walk away. Choose wisely.
9 ways social media affects mental health
So, let’s dive into the 9 ways social media affects mental health. I hope this article helps you understand how damaging social media can be to your mental health.
What we don’t change, we choose. That’s so important.
Lowered Self-esteem
One of the most significant impacts social media has on our mental health is the constant comparison of ourselves to others. With perfect images and awesome videos, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and feeling inadequate.
This will lead to a decrease in self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and even depression.
It’s so important to remember that people often only show the BEST part of their lives on social media and not the entire picture.
Cyberbullying
The rise of social media has also brought about a new form of bullying – cyberbullying.
With the anonymity of the internet, bullies can hide behind screens and inflict harm on others without consequence. This can be especially damaging to mental health as victims may feel isolated, embarrassed, and ashamed.
While most platforms do have strict policies in place for reporting bullying, it’s up to you to remove yourself from the situation and not engage with the bully. Also, be sure to report any account that you know is bullying and harming people.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Another unseen danger of social media is the fear of missing out (FOMO). With constant updates on what others are doing and where they are, it’s easy to feel like we’re missing out on something.
You will eventually start having feelings of anxiety and stress, as well as a constant need to be connected to social media. It’s crucial to disconnect from time to time and focus on living in the present moment.
And remember, people only show the good things on social media, not the dark side of their lives. It’s not always rosy.
Unrealistic Expectations
Social media often portrays an unrealistic version of reality, which leads us to set unrealistic expectations for ourselves and feel disappointed when we don’t meet them.
It’s essential to remember that no one’s life is perfect, and it’s okay not to have everything together all the time. No one has it together all the time, only on social media.
Sleep Disturbances
The blue light emitted from electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops can disrupt our sleep patterns.
Constant exposure to social media and the need to be connected at all times can lead to individuals staying up late and sacrificing quality sleep. Lack of sleep can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to irritability, low mood, and difficulty concentrating.
Try to make a habit of shutting off all devices an hour before bed.
Comparison Trap
Social media allows individuals to compare themselves with others constantly. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
We often only see the highlight reels of other people’s lives on social media, leading us to compare our behind-the-scenes moments with their seemingly perfect ones.
It’s essential to remember that everyone is on their own journey, and it’s unfair to compare ourselves to others.
Addiction
Social media can be addictive, with individuals needing to check their feeds and notifications constantly. This is me.
This addiction can have negative effects on mental health, such as feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, and a constant need for validation from others.
To avoid falling into this addictive behaviour, learn to put your phone away for set periods and time throughout the day. Go for a walk or do something quietly instead.
Your brain needs a break from all that constant information.
Unrealistic Beauty Standards
Facebook, IG, etc, are filled with edited and filtered images that promote unrealistic beauty standards.
This will have a damaging effect on mental health, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. It’s essential to remember that these images are often not authentic and to focus on self-love and acceptance.
Lack Of Face-To-Face Interaction
With the rise of social media, face-to-face interaction has decreased significantly. Don’t people go out and meet for lunch, coffee or movies anymore?
More and more people are feeling isolated and disconnected from others, which can harm mental health. It’s important to make an effort to disconnect from social media and engage in meaningful in-person interactions.
It’ll be fun!!
final thoughts on how social media affects mental health
While social media can provide a platform for connection and self-expression, it’s important to navigate this digital landscape with mindfulness.
The unseen dangers, such as cyberbullying, FOMO, unrealistic beauty standards, and the lack of face-to-face interaction, can take a toll on mental health.
It’s crucial to remember that your worth is not determined by social media interactions and that it’s okay to step back, disconnect, and prioritize your well-being.
Engaging in positive online practices and nurturing offline relationships can go a long way in avoiding these risks and promoting healthier mental well-being.
If you feel that your mental health is starting to decline because of social media, it may be time to take a step back or seek professional help if you feel you need to.
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