Exploring the intricate relationship between social media and mental health, we delve into the profound impact of digital platforms on our psyche. Unraveling the complexities, we aim to shed light on this contemporary issue that affects millions worldwide.
The Role Social Media Plays in Mental Health
Being socially connected to others can ease stress, anxiety, and depression, boost self-worth, provide comfort and joy, prevent loneliness, and even add years to your life.
- On the flip side, lacking strong social connections can pose a serious risk to your mental and emotional health.
Other Causes of Unhealthy Social Media Use
FOMO
- Fear of missing out
- Use social media as a “security blanket” when you feel anxious, awkward, or lonely
- Your social media use may mask other underlying problems such as stress, depression, or boredom
Signs that social media is impacting your mental health
Indicators include: spending more time on social media than with real world friends, comparing yourself unfavorably with others, being distracted at work, having no time for self-reflection, engaging in risky behavior in order to gain likes, shares, etc.
- Suffering from sleep problems
- Worsening symptoms of anxiety or depression
Step 3: Spend more time with offline friends
Set aside time each week to interact offline with friends and family.
- If you’ve neglected face-to-face friendships, reach out to an old friend or an online friend and arrange to meet up.
- Interact with strangers by smiling or saying hello.
The negative aspects of social media
Increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts
- Inadequacy about your life or appearance
- Fear of missing out
- Isolation
- Cyberbullying
- Self-absorption
- Depression and anxiety
Express Gratitude
Keeping a gratitude journal or using a gratitude app can help you keep track of all the great memories and positives in your life.
- Practice mindfulness to learn to live more in the present moment, lessen the impact of FOMO, and improve your overall mental wellbeing
- Volunteer to enrich your community and give back to the community.
What’s driving your social media use?
Social media platforms are designed to snare your attention, keep you online, and have you repeatedly checking your screen for updates.
- The more you’re rewarded, the more time you want to spend on social media, even if it becomes detrimental to other aspects of your life.
The vicious cycle of unhealthy social media use
When you feel lonely, depressed, anxious, or stressed, you use social media more often
How to help
Monitor and limit your child’s social media use
- Talk to your child about underlying issues
- Enforce “social media” breaks
- Teach your child how social media is not an accurate reflection of people’s lives
- Encourage exercise and offline interests
- Get your child away from social media by encouraging them to pursue physical activities and hobbies that involve real-world interaction
The positive aspects of social media
Social media enables you to: Communicate and stay up to date with family and friends around the world
- Find new friends and communities; network with other people who share similar interests or ambitions
- Join or promote worthwhile causes; raise awareness on important issues
- Seek or offer emotional support during tough times
- Discover new sources of valuable information and learning
Modifying social media use to improve mental health
Reduce time online
- Use an app to track how much time you spend on social media each day
- Set a goal for how much you want to reduce it by
- Disable social media notifications
- Limit checks
- Remove social media apps from your phone so you can only check Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Step 2: Change your focus
Focus on your motivation for logging on.
- Are you using social media as a substitute for real life? Is there a healthier substitute for your social media use?
- Counter symptoms of FOMO by focusing on what you have, rather than what you lack.
