Ways Social Media Negatively Affects Your Mental Health
Social media has come with myriad advantages. It has reduced the cost of starting businesses and brands, introduced new ways to interact, and reduced the world to a global village. But some researchers, psychologists, and mental experts argue that these benefits have come at a great cost.
Mindlessly sitting down and scrolling through social media is killing brain cells as well as planting ideas in the minds of people of all ages. In this article, we seek to compile how social media has destroyed mental well-being.
The Addiction
Some may or may not be in complete agreement with the addiction aspect of social media. A considerable amount of evidence exists to support this argument, however, you can put this forward by how people are unable to put their phones downs. Their phones are stuck in their hands and their eyes are glued to the screen.
In addition, when a person wakes up in the morning, what is the first thing they rush to do? Even before they wash their face or take a cup of water? Their social media feed. If this is not a sign of addiction, then what is?
The Sadness Factor and Deterioration of Well-Being
To increase following and also keep people engaged on the platform, influencers and other marketers live a life that they cannot afford or manage. This has come with the use of certain phrases such as live your best life today, YOLO, and ‘the fear of missing out’. This began as a means for people to interact on a social platform has become an avenue for people to compare their lives with those of others.
The pressure to live up to these standards has led to depression and social anxiety. People are unable to interact with others simply because they feel they are not worthy. It has led to a damning effect, especially on teens and young adults.
A Vicious Cycle of Jealousy
This is partly connected to the point mentioned earlier above. By continuously comparing your life to that of others, one cannot help but feel a sting of jealousy. You can see your age-mates enjoying a vacation in tropical paradises while you are working hard at the office.
Social media has evolved into a breeding place of envious men and women who are unable to enjoy the wins of others.
Social Isolation
Through the use of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, people can connect in an instant with someone from across the country or the globe. You don’t need to spend hours connecting with someone in real life, as it is now more popularly known. As more hours are spent on the site, more people are becoming socially isolated from reality.
Conclusion
The effects above can be quite damaging to the various aspects of someone’s life. It makes people dissociate themselves from society and community as a whole, as well as makes them unable to differentiate between Instagram vs real life.
