Introduction

Social media is an indispensable part of everyday life. Facebook, many social platforms link people around the globe. But too much use can be detrimental to mental health. Many suffer from anxiety, depression, loneliness, self-harm, and ideas of suicide. Being aware of the impact of social media on us can lead us to a more healthy usage of it.

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Increased Anxiety and Stress

There’s so much pressure to show a perfect life in social media. Comparing oneself to others has encouraged anxiety and worrying. Curated highlights of other people’s lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy or being behind in life, for users. Worry over what we are missing (FOMO) adds to the other stresses we feel.

Higher Risk of Depression

There’s research to suggest that too much social media contributes to depression. Spending countless hours consuming content without the actual interaction of human beings can leave a person feeling disconnected from reality.

Loneliness and Isolation

Social media can make users lonely. Most people are just scrolling for hours instead of talking and engaging which makes you feel so alone

Harmful Effects on Self-Worth

The number of users, whose life gets measured against influencers and celebrities, tend to develop body shapes issues and low self-esteem. Edited images and filters create unrealistic beauty standards, making people insecure about themselves. It is this cycle of comparison, which can lead into self-harm behaviours.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

People can communicate through social media without revealing their identity, which has led to the rise of cyberbullying. Mean comments, threats, and public shaming online can take a real toll on the mental health.

Addiction to Social Media

Social media leads many users to be addicted to it and check notifications/messages all the time. Likes and shares send a spike of dopamine to the brain that can lead to an unhealthy addiction. Excessive use can disrupt sleep, productivity and general mental health.

How to Know if Social Media Is Hurting Your Mental Health

Feeling a sense of anxiety or stress after social media use

Always comparing yourself to other people

Hours spent just scrolling and not being engaged

Being prevented from meeting in real life

Feeling mood swings based on what you post online

Struggling to get your eyes shut from too much blue light

How to Use Social Media in a Healthy Way

Limit Screen Time

Limit social media to prevent overuse. Most apps include features that track and limit usage. Less time in front of a screen means more time in the real world.

Follow Positive Content

Unfollow accounts that make you feel negative about yourself. Instead, like pages that inspire you and lift you up. There are pages that focus on motivational, education and mental health awareness, and these are a breath of fresh air in the online sphere.

Do Things In Real Life

In-person interaction with friends and family is critical to mental health. Pursuing hobbies, such as reading, exercise outdoor activities, helps balance online and offline worlds.

Take Social Media Breaks

Even a temporary digital detox, for ​just a few​ days, can enhance mental clarity and relieve stress.

Avoid Late-Night Scrolling

There are also some more general ways social media can affect your sleep. The blue light from screens suppresses the hormone melatonin, making it more difficult to fall asleep. put your phone away at least an hour before bed

Talk About Your Feelings

If social media is having an impact on your mental health, see if you can speak to a friend, family member or therapist about it. Talking will help to vent your stress and to find emotional support.

Conclusion

Social media impacts mental health positively and negatively. It connects people, but can also lead to loneliness, stress and depression. Using social media mindfully few help with your general well-being. Limiting the time spent online, surrounding self with motivating content and indulging in field activities are a few ways to maintain a balance between the physical and digital world