Social media has become so integral to our daily lives that it’s easy to overlook its impact on our mental health and well-being. According to surveys, most social media users have experienced negative effects. The numbers include:
- 71% agree it’s important to take a break from social media. Constant exposure to curated posts about the lives of friends and family can fuel feelings of envy, inadequacy, and loneliness.
- 45% feel overwhelmed by the amount of information. The endless stream of news, opinions, and updates leads to information overload and mental fatigue.
- 24% of teens say social media has a mostly negative effect. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to unrealistic beauty standards at a young age can be particularly damaging.
- 59% of adults report social media has impacted their mental health. Excessive social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) have been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
While social media platforms have benefits when used constructively, it’s important to be aware of and mitigate their potential psychological effects.
The Good: How Social Media Can Positively Impact Mental Health
Social media gets a bad rap for negatively impacting mental health, but it’s not all doom and gloom. When used constructively, social media can be a force for good.
- Connecting with others. Social media makes it easy to stay in touch with friends and family and reconnect with old acquaintances. Feeling connected to others is vital for well-being and happiness. Video chatting with a faraway friend or joining a local Facebook group around a shared interest are great ways to build connections.
- Finding your tribe. Finding like-minded people and communities focused on any interest or life experience is possible. Whether you’re into gaming, gardening, or living with a chronic illness, you can find your tribe on social media. Interacting with these communities combats loneliness and helps you feel understood.
- Sharing information. Social media is useful for raising awareness about important causes and sharing helpful resources. Many people turn to social media to find mental health information, connect with therapists, and join support groups.
- Promoting positivity. While social media is known for negativity, you can fill your feeds with uplifting content. Follow accounts that promote kindness, gratitude, and self-care. Share positive stories and messages to brighten others’ days as well. Focusing on the good can help shift your mindset and mood.
The Bad: Potential Negative Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
Social media use can negatively impact your mental health and well-being. While social media does have its benefits when used moderately and positively, excessive use or negative experiences on social media can lead to:
Anxiety and Depression
When you spend a lot of time on social media, it’s easy to develop anxiety and feelings of inadequacy by comparing yourself to others. Seeing curated posts about the exciting lives of friends and family can fuel feelings of envy or feel like you’re missing out. This can ultimately lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Sleep Problems
The blue light emitted from electronic devices like smartphones and tablets disrupts your circadian rhythm and makes it harder to fall asleep. Scrolling through social media before bed activates your mind and body, making it difficult to unwind for sleep.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
The fear of missing out, or FOMO, is the uneasy feeling that your friends or peers are having rewarding experiences you’re not part of. Social media tends to exacerbate feelings of FOMO with its curated posts about exciting social events, vacations, and activities. This can make you feel inadequate in comparison and like your own life is lacking.
Social Media Addiction and Its Impact on Mental Well-being
Social media addiction is real, and it can negatively impact your mental health and well-being. Many people find themselves mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds for hours, liking and commenting on posts, and comparing themselves to the curated lives of others.
- Fear of Missing Out: Seeing friends, family, and influencers posting about exciting events or lavish vacations can trigger a “fear of missing out” or FOMO. This can make you feel like your life is boring or lacking in comparison, even if that’s not true.
- Sleep Problems: Excessive social media use, especially late at night, has been linked to insomnia and other sleep issues. The blue light emitted from screens suppresses melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.
- Anxiety and Depression: Social media has been shown to correlate with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Passively viewing curated posts about the lives of others can foster feelings of envy and inadequacy in comparison. h.
- Information Overload: The constant barrage of information, news, opinions, and “clickbait” headlines on social media can lead to feeling overwhelmed, distracted, and unable to focus.
The First Step Toward a Healthier Future
Social media can have a huge impact on your mental health, for better or for worse. The key is using these platforms in moderation and intentionally engaging with them. Follow accounts that inspire and uplift you.
While social media will likely continue evolving in ways we can’t foresee, you can decide how much you let it influence your well-being. Seeking help to build healthier technology habits and cope with the influences of social media is a wise and courageous choice that will benefit you for years to come. Call New Jersey Recovery Solutions today at (908) 913-7399 to take the first step toward a healthier future.
