Addiction of Social Media - Impact in Psychological Health

Internet addiction is associated with many mental disorders, including low self-esteem, impulsiveness, poor sleep, mood disorders, depression, and suicide. A strong correlation has been established between mental health, quality of life, and the level of Internet addiction.

Negative effects on health

Social media may trigger feelings of inadequacy. People may feel as though their life or appearance does not compare favorably with that of others on social media, leading to feelings of envy and dissatisfaction.

A study found that high social media usage increases rather than decreases feelings of loneliness. It also reported that reducing social media use helps people feel less lonely and isolated and improves their well-being.

Additionally, social media can facilitate cyberbullying and create unhealthy self-centeredness and distance from friends and family and mostly its will be the reason of losing memory power day by day.

Preventing negative effects

People can help themselves avoid some of the adverse effects of social media by limiting use to 30 minutes a day, in turn reducing FOMO and the associated negative consequences.

By being more conscious of the amount of time they spend on social media, a person may notice improvements in their general mood, focus, and overall mental health.

Managing the effects

An individual can make their use of social media positive by:

• turning off a smartphone's data connectivity at certain times of the day, such as while driving, at work, or in meetings

• turning off data connectivity while spending time with friends and family

• leaving the smartphone out of reach while sleeping

• turning off notifications to make it easier to resist the distracting beeps or vibrations

• limiting social media use to a computer rather than a smartphone

Statistics

Social media has come under a lot of criticism, with many reports connecting its use with severe consequences.

National surveys and population-based studies show that the world of social media can have devastating effects on users' mental health. In the U.S. alone, survey findings show a 25% increase in suicide attempts among teenagers between 2009 and 2017.

Although social media may not play a role in each of these incidences, the time frame correlates with the growing use of these platforms. A 2021 study confirms this effect.

The researchers reported that while social media use had a minimal impact on boys' risk of suicide, girls who used social media for at least 2 hours each day from the age of 13 years had a higher clinical risk of suicide as adults.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: "Are you considering suicide?"

• Listen to the person without judgment.

• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.

• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.

• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

Positive effects

Despite its drawbacks, social media remains an efficient means of connecting communities and individuals across the world.

Social media-based networking among small groups of people is beneficial for many.

Through social media, youngsters who struggle with social skills and anxiety can express themselves and socialize. It can be particularly advantageous for marginalized groups, such as LGBTQIA+ communities, as it enables people to meet and interact with other like-minded individuals.

Social media also serves as a platform that gives a voice to the voiceless. For example, people who have been subject to violence and abuse can use communities such as the #MeToo community to air their views, talk about what they are facing, and find support.

Social media can also educate and inform and provide an outlet for creativity and self-expression.

Summary

Social media provides users with a rapid means of electronic communication and content sharing.

Although it has various positive effects, it can negatively affect users' mental health.

Limiting the use of social media to 30 minutes a day can reduce FOMO and, in turn, relleve the loneliness, anxiety, depression, and sleep problems associated with excessive social media use.

With Regards,

Shanta Sarma 

Founder & Director of Shivaradhya Mind Care Hub