We all know all know social media can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health. On the positive side, it makes people connected to their loved ones, and it also helps in accessing information and finding support. Regardless of how good social media is, when used too much it leads to feelings of anxiety. When exposed to social media too much people tend to be exposed to the idealized versions of people’s lives on social media and this can create unrealistic expectations and comparisons. This way, the comparison will negatively impact self-esteem and mental well-being.
It is very important to be mindful of social media. I know of someone who has tied her validations on social media, this person keeps seeking validation and approval on social and it has become something else that I feel is bad because when the likes and comments are not meeting the expectations it will become detrimental to mental health. It is also important to be mindful of social media usage by setting boundaries and limiting screen time doing this, can help maintain a healthy balance. This being said, there are so many negative impacts of social media.
The negative impacts are:
Anxiety and stress: Constant exposure to social media can lead to anxiety due to fear of inadequacy
Cyberbullying: people have become chronic bullies on social media. They sit at home and become keypad warriors to bully people & say negative things online and this causes mental health issues that lead to depression and low self-esteem to the one bullied.
Misinformation. On social media, they are a lot of misinformation and this causes confusion. The gist bloggers have caused more harm than good when it comes to misinformation. They don’t confirm news before they bring it out and before you know it, some set of people has digested it which can cause chaos.
Distraction: On social media, some people easily get distracted and this causes some obstacles in the mind especially in students.
Body shaming: people now compare a lot on social media and this has caused a lot of people to hide because they don’t want to be seen because of low self-esteem. The focus on comparing size, shape, and appearance is very alarming.
The positive impact of social media is connection, awareness, and community building. Social media has helped a lot of people connect with friends and family globally and it reduces the feeling of isolation. Awareness: social media platforms help to raise awareness about mental health and also help to encourage conversations and provide solutions for people who want help.
By being aware of the possible impacts of social media on mental health and making moves to manage its use, individuals can maintain healthier relationships irrespective of the platform and prioritize their own well-being. Prioritize your well-being today, and strike a balance between staying connected online and taking care of yourself.
Thanks for your time.