Some researchers wonder about the permanent effects of social media use. Most people use these social networking sites to stay in touch with family and friends, get their news, and even share political views. Because these sites’ use is still relatively new, no ongoing studies document social networking sites’ results. But much recent research indicates that social media impacts mental health in several ways. Consequently, the rising reliance on and use of social networking sites puts many Americans at a greater risk of feeling anxious, depressed, lonely, envious, and even ill over the use of social media.
How social media affects mental health?
However, researchers are finding some hindrances to social media, particularly concerning mental health.
Social media use may contribute to depression.
A technology that may conduct people closer together can have the opposite effect, especially when disagreements erupt online. Moreover, social media sites have been connected to depression, anxiety, and loneliness. However, these sites can even make people feel more isolating and alone.
One survey found that young people who use these networking sites more than two hours per day are much more likely to categorize their mental health as fair or poor compared to periodic social media users.
Social media may hurt your self-esteem.
However, aside from the rising risk of depression and anxiety, social media affects mental health in several ways. For example, these networking sites can cause you to feel experiences of inadequacy about your life and appearance. Even if you know that the pictures you look at online manipulate or represent someone else’s highlight reel, they can still cause feelings of insecurity, envy, and dissatisfaction.
The fear of missing out
However, another mental health issue associated with social media is what is called FOMO. Consequently, these sites seem to exacerbate the fear that you’re missing something or that other people are living a better life. In extreme cases, fear of missing out can cause you to become a tether to your phone, where you are constantly examining for updates or responding to every single alert.
Social sites can lead to self-absorption.
Also, the use of social media can cause people to become self-absorb. Your most profound thoughts on social media sites can create unhealthy self-centeredness. However, that causes you to concentrate on crafting your online picture rather than making memories with your friends and families in real life.
More efforts to engage in impression management can have psychological costs. Especially if the approval you are looking for is never received. Ultimately, omitting positive responses online can lead to self-doubt and self-hatred.
Impulse control issues
Likewise, severe use of social media can lead to impulse control issues. Especially if you approach your social networks using a smartphone. However, this issue can even disturb your sleep and make you a slave to your phone.
Social media as an unhealthy mechanism
The social media impact on your mental health is an unhealthy way of coping with uncomfortable feelings or emotions. For example, if you turn to your sites when you’re feeling down or lonely, you are potentially using these sites as a way to distract you from your unpleasant feelings.
Signs social media is impacting your mental health.
Because everyone is different, there is no firm amount of time spent on social media. Instead, it would help if you estimated how social media use affects your life. The University of Pennsylvania survey suggests that self-monitoring can change one’s perception of social sites. By taking self-monitoring, people can significantly increase their overall well-being.
