Social media’s effect on mental health and wellbeing is a complicated topic with many facets. Social media sites can be detrimental to mental health even if they have many positive aspects, such improving communication, bringing people together, and giving access to knowledge. The following are some ways that social media use may affect one’s mental health and overall wellbeing:
Comparing and Developing Oneself:
Social media frequently offers well edited accounts of users’ lives, emphasizing successes and high points while leaving out setbacks and difficulties.
Distraction and Addiction:
Overuse of social media can cause obsessive behaviors similar to addiction, as users may find themselves constantly checking their feeds or looking for approval from others through likes and comments. Overusing social media can also lead to procrastination, lower productivity, and trouble concentrating on things that need to be done in the real world.
Disruption of Sleep:
Social media use right before bed has been connected to both low quality and disrupted sleep. Intumescing with stimulating information and being exposed to blue light from screens can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, making it challenging to go off to sleep.
Effect on Interpersonal Relationships:
Social media can be useful in keeping in touch with friends and family, but if it is not utilized carefully, it can also strain relationships. Interactions on social media can give rise to misunderstandings, jealousy, and disputes, which can cause interpersonal strain and stress.
Impact on Eating Disorders and Body Image:
Social media sites frequently propagate distorted body image representations and unattainable beauty ideals. Especially in vulnerable populations like adolescents and young adults, exposure to images of slender or strong bodies can exacerbate negative body image, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorders.