In our increasingly digital era, the psychological connection between social media and mental health has been the subject of extensive research and discussion. Although there are many benefits to social media platforms, like making communication easier, sharing information, and building connections with people, there are also many cons to social media, specifically in relation to your mental health. Here are some of the ways that social media can negatively affect your mental health.
More often than not, social media presents a distorted version of reality, where people tend to share highlights and positive aspects of their lives, creating an illusion for their audience. This can lead to social comparison where individuals compare their own lives to others, and can often result in feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and depression. Additionally, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok often rely on metrics such as likes, comments, and followers, which can begin to warp into a measure of one’s self-worth. By seeking validation from others and basing self-esteem based off of these social media metrics, this can lead to feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and a negative impact on mental well-being.
Social media platforms also create a constant stream of updates and notifications, making users feel like they need to always be connected and engaged. This fear of missing out (FOMO) can lead to anxiety and a sense of being left out if one is not actively participating or aware of what others are doing. Additionally, constant exposure to others’ achievements and lifestyles can contribute to a sense of dissatisfaction with one’s own life, more anxiety, or feeling as though you are steps behind your peers.
Also of concern, social media platforms can become a platform for cyberbullying, where individuals may experience harassment, threats, or exclusion online. About 44% of internet users said they have experienced some form of online harassment. This can have serious detrimental effects on mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, certain online communities or social media groups may reinforce negative behaviors such as self-harm, disordered eating, or substance abuse. In turn, these communities can worsen existing mental health issues and spark the start or continuation of harmful patterns of behavior.
In addition, using social media before going to sleep has been linked to sleep disruption and disturbances. The engaging nature of social media in combination with the blue light that is emitted by screens can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation, fatigue, mood swings, and an overall decrease in well-being. Although it is important to recognize the positive elements of social media, awareness of the ways that social media can have a negative impact on your mental health has become more crucial than ever. In order to promote a healthier relationship with social media, it can be helpful to set boundaries, limit usage, curate a positive online environment, seek support from offline relationships, and prioritize self-care activities that do not involve screens. Additionally, maintaining awareness of one’s emotional well-being and seeking professional help when needed is crucial for maintaining positive mental health in the digital age.