Social media has become part and parcel of our daily lives by allowing us to connect with friends, share our experiences, and access information at our fingertips.
However, it has proved that as much as it has done good, the harm is even greater.
According to the Surgeon General, an online platform that deals with the prevention and cure of social media mental health, a third of youth aged 13–17 use social media constantly.
As per the study carried out by the Surgeon General, 6,595 adolescents aged 12–15 showed an association between 3 or more hours of social media use a day and negative mental health outcomes like depression and anxiety.
“The rise of these social media platforms has had a profound impact on our mental health, and we need to be mindful of our online habits. We constantly scroll through curated feeds, comparing our lives to others, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem,” the study read.
Several studies have also shown a direct correlation between excessive social media use and an increased risk of depression, anxiety, isolation, disconnection from reality, and loneliness, derived from the pressure to portray a perfect image online, among others.
Not forgetting the existence of cyber bullying and online harassment on social media platforms, which can also have detrimental effects on individuals’ mental well-being.
The anonymity that social media provides makes it easier for individuals to engage in hurtful behavior without facing consequences, leading to a toxic online environment that can exacerbate mental health issues.
Therefore, it is essential for individuals to practice self-care and set boundaries when using social media to protect their mental health.
One can exercise limiting screen time, un-following accounts that trigger negative emotions, and prioritizing real-life connections to help maintain a healthy balance between online and offline interactions.
We should be mindful of the potential pitfalls of excessive social media use.
Using social media has both positive and negative impacts on our mental health. It is a way of facilitating connections that can provide valuable resources, so let us strive for a more mindful and compassionate online community that promotes mental health and well-being for all.
Social media platforms, like chat rooms, blogging Web sites, video sites (YouTube), social networking sites (Facebook, My Space, Twitter, Google+), and electronic bulletin boards or forums, as well as e-mail, text messaging, and video chat, have transformed traditional methods of communication by allowing the instantaneous and interactive sharing of information created and controlled by individuals, groups, organizations, and governments.
