How Social Media Affects Mental Health
Social media is an indispensable tool that enables people to connect and exchange ideas. It can range from blogs and photo sharing sites, through business networks to virtual worlds.
Social media can often serve as a substitute for real-world social interaction and may have negative repercussions on mental health in various ways.
Spending too much time on social media can increase feelings of loneliness and depression in individuals. It also fuels FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), leading them to believe they are missing out on what others are doing and not living a fulfilling life.
Compulsive use can cause users to constantly check their social media pages and posts in an attempt to receive likes or comments. This may lead to feelings of self-doubt, leading them to believe they aren’t good enough or smart enough for anything worthwhile, and that they are a fraud.
Body image issues can develop as a result of exposure to filtered and edited photos on social media platforms, particularly among young women. This may lead to an unhealthy focus on perceived flaws and an intense desire to alter one’s physical appearance – known as Snapchat dysmorphia.
Social media can have a variety of effects on mental health, from mild to severe. When used excessively or ineffectively, these effects become particularly evident. If it’s causing you problems, you have the power to reduce or cease usage.
