Social Media and Self-Esteem: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Social media has become a hub for sharing information and an essential part of our daily lives. However, they also have the potential to negatively affect users. In this article, we explore how using social media may affect your self-esteem.

Social Media Addiction

Sadly, research has indicated that social media might be more addictive than even alcohol or cigarettes. This may be in great part due to the internet’s accessibility, availability, freeness, and apparent safety. This can be seen in how people use social media: when they receive a notification, such as a like or a mention, their brain releases a burst of dopamine, making them feel good. For comparatively little work, social media offers an unending supply of instant rewards in the shape of other people’s attention.

The Good: Self-Esteem Boosters

There are several ways in which social media may help boost self-respect:

1. Expressing Yourself. For example, people can use social media to express their creativity through photos or videos or to post about issues that are important to them. This can positively affect self-esteem, mainly if you receive positive feedback from others.
2. Sharing Your Achievements. People can use platforms such as LinkedIn to list their skills and qualifications, connect with others and share their knowledge.
3. Finding Support. Social media can provide a sense of community and an opportunity to find support and encouragement when needed.

The Bad: Self-esteem Damagers

However, there can be a number of ways in which it can have a negative impact on a person’s self-esteem:

1. Social Comparison. You may compare your life and achievements with others on social media. Especially if you follow others who post about their exciting or glamorous lifestyles.
2. Time Management. If you become too distracted by social media, it may become difficult to complete other essential tasks and daily activities.
3. Feeling of Isolation. Spending too much time on social media can lead to becoming less likely to engage with others in the real world.

The Ugly: Teasing and Bullying on Social Media Platforms

Social media is an excellent way to connect with others and share information, but it can also be a breeding ground for bullying. It is a serious and harmful problem that can harm both the emotional and physical health of people. You may experience online bullying if you receive hurtful comments, for instance. If you are worried about being the victim of online bullying, you should speak to a trusted adult or contact a helpline.

Conclusion

There are many benefits of social media. On the other hand, it’s important to remember that spending too much time on them can have a negative impact on your well-being. This article is written by a therapist from Sensera — a self-help app that provides daily CBT audio sessions and exercises. The app helps people deal with a variety of mental issues (anxiety, low self-esteem, and relationship problems). Download Sensera now to become happier!