NegativeEffects of Regular Use of Social Media
In thelast decade, the use of social media has been amplified a lot and it has becomean important part of our daily life. It is something which is influencing oursocial life; it has also become very crucial for everyone including brands,businesses, celebrities and the general public to have a presence on Facebook,Instagram, Youtube or TikTok.
Most ofus are in the habit of using social media as a regular means of communication.No matter what activities we do for the whole day, we make sure to post storieson our Facebook and Instagram.
Intoday's globalizing society, social media is a part of our daily routine. Well,is it just a routine or does social media is eating up your lives?
SocialMedia, More of a Curse than Blessing
Socialmedia is a blessing as it has become easier to connect with people andindustries overseas. But it is important to understand that this virtual worldof networking is also a bit of a trap which is dominating our lives. Socialmedia is consuming our lives and can be negative and damaging to your mentalhealth.
Studieshave shown that the excessive use of social media can have long-lasting effectson your mental health. According to various studies, the excessive use of socialmedia is linked with the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteemin teenagers. It can also affect your sleep quality and hyperactivity.
Mostexperts also say that excessive use of social media is like new-age smoking.The effects of social media can be pretty damaging which is not good for youroverall well-being.
Socialmedia is a benefit for all those who struggled with socializing andcommunicating face-to-face. However, many people are struggling with trolls,toxic comparisons, and cyber-bullying because of the use of social media.
Peopleof all ages are using social networking sites these days, and it is importantto know how social media can have a negative influence on our mental health.Following are how social media could negatively affect your mental health.
Are youalways on your phone checking updates on Facebook and Instagram? Are youexcessively consuming social media? If your answer is yes, you may be sufferingfrom Internet Addiction Disorder or IAD. Another symptom of IAD are playingonline video games or online shopping.
Socialmedia sites get the users "hooked" which is interfering with their daily lives– relationships, work, and personal lives. Because of their addictivebehaviour, people might neglect their personal life. The over-dependence onsocial media can affect people from a psychological perspective and wouldaffect negatively.
The useof social media has a major impact on our self-esteem. It can make anindividual self-conscious and insecure. When we spend a lot of time on socialmedia, we tend to make comparisons which decrease our self-esteem and ourconfidence levels. Studies in the past have shown that self-esteem has animpact on your well-being and has a direct relationship with your overallhealth.
Constantexposure to social media can negatively affect your minds because many-a-timespeople take social media way too seriously and get trapped by the unrealisticstandards set by other people. Seeking validation in terms of likes andfollowers, making comparisons with fellow people will lead to lower self-esteemwhich will further lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Theexcessive use of social media could be a huge reason for mental illnesses suchas anxiety and depression. Studies have shown the people who use multiplesocial media accounts are at higher risks of problems such as anxiety anddepression.
Makingcomparisons with other's lives is mentally unhealthy
Withsocial media, we are now comparing our life to everyone and according to manyphysiologists; comparison is a bad and harmful habit. A lot of people feelsocially isolated and tend to silence their thoughts because they startcomparing themselves with avid users of social media.
Whenyou think what others have, it takes away your attention from what you have. Comparison can lead to feelings ofloneliness, unhappiness, and depression.
Socialinteraction is critically important for good mental health. But with the comingof social media, we're glued to our mobile and desktops screens and have lessface-to-face interaction.
Havingmore friends and followers on social media is good, but doesn't mean that youhave a better social life. Some close friends and realistic connection are veryimportant to have a happy life.
Usingsocial media even for a couple of hours can have adverse effects on your sleepas it is directly linked to increased sleep deficiency.
FOMO isfear of missing out; it is a type of social media anxiety. FOMO is dangerousand can cause stress and can also decrease your ability to concentrate on moreimportant things.
In anutshell, Social media is beneficial, but it is important to balance yoursocial life with real-life relationships.
