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Social media has influenced the way you interact with others. Platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow you to easily share your experiences and communicate with friends and family. Social networking can provide a sense of community and belonging. However, it can have a negative impact on your mental health. Despite this seemingly perpetual ocean of connectivity, a paradoxical phenomenon has come to light: social isolation.
Exploring Social Isolation
Social isolation refers to being cut off from social relationships or having only a limited social network. It can emerge in various forms, including emotional detachment, physical isolation or a sense of loneliness. Given the constant exchange of online interactions in the digital age, social isolation may appear unreasonable. It is important to distinguish between the quantity and quality of these interactions.
While we may have an enormous amount of online connections, the quality of these interactions is frequently compromised. Superficial likes, emoji reactions, and one-line comments on social media posts can offer the idea of connection without actually meaningfully connecting. True social connections require deeper emotional bonds, shared experiences, and genuine empathy, which may be lacking in digital interactions.
The link between Social Media and Depression
One of the primary concerns is the aspect of comparison. Social media platforms have a tendency to promote an idealised image of one's life, causing others to draw unrealistic comparisons to their own sense of self. These comparisons can cause feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and, eventually, can lead to a poor mental health.
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Another concern is the way social media affects sleep. Excessive use, especially at night, could disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation. A lack of quality sleep is a widely recognised risk factor for depression.
Another source of concern is the lack of face-to-face interaction with others. While social media offers a platform to connect with people all around the world, it cannot replace the human connection that occur through in-person experiences, which is essential to emotional well-being.
Negative Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
- Unhealthy Comparison
Constant comparison is one of the ways social media may have a negative impact on mental health. Seeing others' highlight reels might cause feelings of inadequacy, envy, and low self-esteem, prompting you to question your own achievements and joy.
- Illusion of being “ Perfect”
Social media may put pressure on people to portray the perfect picture online, which can be time-consuming and emotionally demanding. Furthermore, this pressure can cause anxiety since you are concerned about what people think of you and whether your online persona reflects your real-life self.
- Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO)
Social media can also amplify the fear of losing out on upcoming events, experiences, or opportunities. This fear may push you to continually check your social media accounts to ensure you are up to date on the newest happenings and trends. This can cause mental exhaustion.
- Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. Cyberbullying can have major psychological consequences. Social media sites can occasionally serve as breeding grounds for harassment, hate speech, and other forms of online abuse. This can cause serious mental distress for victims.
Having a Healthier Relationship with Social Media
While social media might help you stay in touch, it's important to focus on face to face interpersonal connections. Prioritise in-person time with friends and family, participating in activities that foster stronger connections, and making memorable memories. It is important to set boundaries with social media usage. Perhaps, this is a good time to explore what are some steps that you can take towards building a healthier relationship with social media. How about taking on some hobbies that you want to get back into or maybe a hobby that you wanted to get your hands on?
This could be a great time to pick that up. The key is to learn to manage stress and unpleasant emotions, a mental health professional can help you explore this. Hence, engaging in mental health-promoting activities such as regular exercise, meditation, writing, or hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation.
If social media use has a major impact on your mental health, consulting a mental health professional may be beneficial. They can offer direction, support, and coping skills that are specific to your needs.
Last Words
Social media is a powerful tool that can both positively and negatively impact mental health. However, by using internet connections carefully and in moderation, you may strike a balance between them and your mental health. Furthermore, it's important to realise that social media is just one aspect of your existence. There are plenty of additional methods to connect with others and improve your mental health.
Setting boundaries, taking breaks, interacting mindfully, utilising tools and resources, and prioritising mental wellbeing can help you maximise the benefits of social media while minimising its potential negative impacts.
References
Bonhag, R., & Upenieks, L. (2023, May 11). Working Only for the Weekend? How Workplace Social Connections Impact Workers’ Sense of Mattering and Mental Health. Society and Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1177/21568693231165786
Bonhag, R., & Upenieks, L. (2023, May 11). Working Only for the Weekend? How Workplace Social Connections Impact Workers’ Sense of Mattering and Mental Health. Society and Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1177/21568693231165786
Depressive disorder (depression). (2023, March 31). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
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