Social media has changed how we consume information, connect and share interests with friends. It has become a part of our daily lives, with many spending hours a day on popular social media apps like Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok.
The amount of information we handle from social media is a lot: our brains sometimes struggle with the enormous influx of information. As a result, we can feel sluggish and have a hard time concentrating.
With the increase in different social media apps, it can also be easy to slip into addiction, specifically impacting the younger population, with teens experiencing depression, anxiety, and a negative sense of self-worth. It is imperative that we cultivate a healthier relationship with social media to reduce the harmful effects on our mental health and behaviour.
The positive impact of social media
The rise of social media has no doubt had a positive impact on our daily lives. We can seamlessly share updates of our lives, even over long distances and can be a source of useful information. A good example of this was the COVID-19 pandemic, as we were confined in our homes with limited contact with the outside world. This was a period of uncertainty, where people’s mental health was impacted. Fortunately, we turned to social media for emotional support and it was a place for everyone to access entertainment.
While social media has provided a platform to connect, it also raises concerns about the impact of social media on our mental health and behaviour especially on its impact on younger children.
The negative impact of social media
Extended use of social media, surpassing two hours per day, has been consistently associated with notable effects on mental health, often linked with conditions such as anxiety and depression.
It isn’t your fault.
Social media platforms are crafted to be addicting. Your phone pings and pulls you into learning more, thus creating a habit that is difficult to break.
Some experience FOMO (fear of missing out) which inadvertently keeps them attached to social media. These feelings can fuel the idea that you don’t have enough or thoughts like “Why can’t I have this?” and can affect the relationship you have with yourself.
A lot of what we (used to but still) see on social media are other people’s highlights that don’t truly represent the things we go through in our daily lives. This can create an impression that we must be ‘perfect’ to feel like we belong. As a result, this can exacerbate the situation and feelings of unworthiness.
While there are positive interactions on social media, it can be a platform for bullies to spread images or abusive messages. The impact of bullying in childhood can have harmful effects on one’s self-esteem, which are often carried into adulthood. They are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, low academic performance, disruption in sleep performance and feelings of loneliness.
The effects of long-term social media use
The effects of long-term social media use can vary between individuals but the general signs (that have not been mentioned above) include: the inability to focus or concentrate, neglecting sleep and addiction. Similarly to breaking any other addictions, you may experience withdrawal symptoms and the urge to check your social media accounts frequently. This can lead to neglect of responsibilities, impaired functioning in daily life, and difficulty in controlling usage habits.
Creating a harmonious relationship with social media/phone and yourself
Cultivating a healthier relationship with social media will look different for everyone and it is about working out which works for you. It might look like this:
- Unfollowing accounts that don’t bring you joy / Following accounts that inspire you
- Limiting screen time to an hour a day
- Not using social media as soon as you wake up
- Turning your phone off an hour before bed
- Practising mindfulness
- Having a positive purpose to prevent yourself from doom-scrolling or comparing yourself to others.
A quick note from the author:
If you’ve come this far, a big thank you for reading! Recognising the negative impact of social media on our mental health is the first step to working towards a healthier relationship with yourself. It’s a process that requires patience, reflection, and ongoing effort. Keep exploring what works best for you, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help along the way. Your mental health matters, and you deserve to thrive in a digital world that complements your overall well-being.
