Social media is known to be related to a large array of negative outcomes, like worsening depression, over-comparison, social anxiety, and perceived isolation. However, studies show that there are also positive benefits that comes from using it on a daily basis.
Social media enables you to:
1. Communicate and stay up to date with family and friends around the world. As a social being, we long to socialize, interact, and connect with others. Social media allows us to stay in touch with our loved ones promoting positive mental health.
2. Raises awareness on important issues such as mental health and healthy lifestyle.
3. Seek or offer emotional support during tough times. An increasing number of online groups and websites are offering mental health support through social media. Such sites provide hotlines for suicide prevention, anonymous forums, and SMS services to help those with mental issues on their recovery journey.
4. Find new friends, communities and networks with other people who share similar interests or ambitions.
5. Find an outlet for your creativity and self-expression.
6. Discover safe sources of valuable information and learning.
We are all social creatures. We all need fellowship with other people in order to thrive in life. A strong connection with others has a huge impact on our mental health as it provides us happiness, eases our stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression, boosts self-worth, provides us comfort and joy, and even prolongs our life as well.
On the other hand, lacking strong social connections can pose a serious risk to your mental and emotional health.
Social media may promote negative experiences such as:
1. Isolation. High usage of social media such as Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram increases rather decreases feelings of loneliness according to a study. [mfn] https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/dealing-with-loneliness-and-shyness.htm [/mfn]
2. Feeling of insufficiency about your life or appearance. Even though you know that images on social media are manipulated most of the time, and people tend to share just the highlights of their lives, they can still make you feel insecure about yourself giving you the feelings of envy and dissatisfaction.
3. Fear of missing out or FOMO. Different social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram seem to aggravate feelings that you’re missing out on certain things resulting an impact to your self-esteem and triggering your anxiety encouraging even greater social media usage. Even if it means taking risks while you’re driving, missing out on sleep at night, or spending time with real world relationships, you tend to pick up your phone every few minutes checking for updates and overwhelmingly respond to each and every notification.
4. Feeling of self-absorption. Sharing and constantly posting endless selfies even your deepest thoughts on social media can create an unhealthy narcissistic behavior and distance you from real-life circumstances.
5. Being exposed to cyberbullying. Social media platforms like Twitter can be very influential for spreading distressing rumors, lies, and abuse that can leave long-lasting emotional scars due to trauma.
6. Feelings of depression and anxiety. An eye-to-eye interaction with another person or someone who cares about you boosts your mood and reduces stress. However, if you prioritize social media interaction over personal heartfelt relationships, the more you’re at risk for developing mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Social media can directly impact physical health associated with the way you use it, some of these are:
1. Fatigue. Valuable sleep can be lost due to staying up too late posting or reading things on Twitter or Facebook.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Too much keying can be very problematic as it can strain the tendons of your hand, wrists and fingers.
3. Eye problems. You can get eyestrain from staring at screens for too long.
4. Distraction. This is one of the most dangerous potential consequences of social media addiction as one can be distracted while driving or even while walking.
5. Lack of exercise. Social media can cut into time you might otherwise be spending outdoors or exercising.
Modify your social media use to outweigh its negative effects:
1. Reducing time online. If you have difficulty getting off social media, try productivity apps that limit your access to certain sites. If you have a serious addiction problem, seek professional help.
2. Use social media at certain scheduled times. Don’t let it interfere with your work, studies or offline relationships.
3. Changing your focus. Stay off social media and any communications platforms while driving or doing anything else that’s potentially hazardous.
4. Spending more time with family, offline friends and other genuine relationships.
5. Expressing gratefulness. Stay positive. Don’t waste time arguing with people online.
When used consciously and in moderation, social media can have a positive impact on your life and even your health.
Sources: 1. Social media use can be positive for mental health and well-being [mfn] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/social-media-positive-mental-health/ [/mfn]
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Social media is definitely a double edged sword. It’s an amazing tool for all kinds of things, but it can and does take a toll when used too much.
Wonderful tips. Everything in moderation including social media.
I do agree that excessive social media use has so many negative health impacts. It can affect mental health and can also contributes to a sedentary lifestyle.
Just like the saying “too much is bad”. I love social media because that is a part of my work but when I am not working I stop and spending time with my loved ones or friends. We need balance in everything, that all I can say.
I always say you have to control social media not let it control you. As with everything in life we need strong boundaries to reap the benefits so we can keep the negative at bay.
Great post. Everything in moderation. Using social media is making me much more firm on my boundaries.
Sometimes social media can be toxic and not healthy. This is helpful and very informative. Thank you for sharing!
Fransic – https://www.querianson.com/
As with most things I do think there are good and bad sides to it. Same with social media!
When I moved to Canada, social media helped me find new friends when I knew no one. There are so many negative effects too and they can sometimes outweigh the benefits sadly.
It’s all about balance. You really need to make sure you still have “ME” time for yourself. Ensure that you will not be too sensitive. Limit your personal posts too.