RFThere are enough memes and reels online about how some people lie in bed, unable to sleep and doom scrolling content on their phones. We are confident that most of us find them relatable, and there are studies to back them up. According to a recent report, people typically spend around four hours on their smartphones every day.
While platforms like Instagram and Snapchat offer entertainment and social connection, they can also take a severe toll on our mental health. Despite its many benefits, social media platforms can trigger social comparison, fuel depression, disrupt sleep patterns. we’ll talk about in this post, ”5 Ways Social Media is Rewiring Your Mental Health”.
In this article, we will look into five ways social media hamper our mental health and well-being.
The Comparison Trap
The comparison trap is considered one of the most significant impacts of social media platforms. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are full of unrealistic showcases of carefully curated highlight reels of the best moments. Whether they are real or orchestrated is up for debate.
However, the resulting upward social comparison is very real. According to TorHoerman Law, this constant comparison can chip away at self-esteem and cause a range of mental health issues.
The Snapchat lawsuit is a prime example of how extreme the comparison trap can be. Snapchat and other social media platforms are facing litigation because of the opportunistic algorithms. Resulting harmful content causing severe mental health issues like social media addiction, self-harm, tendencies, and suicidal ideation.
To prevent the comparison trap, be mindful of who you or your kid follows and unfollow accounts that trigger negative feelings. Remember that social media platforms don’t reflect reality.
FOMO: The Fear of Missing Out
FOMO, or fear of missing out, is a pervasive feeling constantly amplified by various social media platforms. FOMO is an extension of the comparison trap, triggering anxiety and a sense of inadequacy by looking at vacation photos exciting outings and seemingly perfect lives. This constant influx of curated experiences has the potential to make us feel like we are missing out on something better.
In fact, recent statistics show that 56% of social media users experience FOMO, with 69% of individuals. feeling that they miss important events if they don’t check social media. This pressure to keep up can cause severe social media addiction, as we compulsively check our phones to avoid feeling left out.
The Cyberbullying Epidemic
Cyberbullying is a real threat to mental well-being and a pervasive form of online harassment. Cyberbullying victims often experience crippling anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in severe cases. Naturally, 35% of US parents with children under 18 years of age are extremely worried about their children being bullied.
The unique challenge of cyberbullying is its anonymity, which allows bullies to hide behind their screens. Another challenge is its persistence, as harmful content can spread and remain online forever. It’s crucial to seek help, report the abuse to authorities, and block the miscreants. Remember that cyberbullying is never the victim’s fault, and there are resources available to help.
The Isolation Paradox
In an ironic twist, social media, seemingly a tool for connections, can make people feel disconnected. The comparison trap we discussed earlier can also trigger feelings of isolation apart from inadequacy. Most online interactions are superficial and lack the depth and intimacy that comes from face-to-face communication, which are crucial for mental well-being.
To prevent this, it’s essential to maintain a balance between online and offline interactions. Focus more on creating a real-world social circle to cultivate meaningful relationships and make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. When it comes to online interactions, seek out communities with shared interests and values to foster genuine connections.
Sleepless Nights and Troubled Minds
Social media scrolling is known for wreaking havoc on your sleep pattern. The blue light emitted from screens suppresses melatonin, which regulates sleep and makes it harder to fall and stay asleep. The resulting sleep deprivation can take a serious toll on mental health.
Numerous studies have shown a strong link between sleep deprivation and depression or anxiety. The lack of sleep also impairs cognitive function, which results in poor concentration, inability to regulate emotions and stress management. You must put your phone down at night and get at least 8 hours of sleep to protect your mental health.
To wrap up, social media is a powerful tool for connections and networking, but in excess, it can be counterproductive. It’s essential to be mindful of social media’s impact on our mental health and take control of our online experiences. Make positive changes after evaluating your social media habits and their impacts on your mental health.
Remember that social media is just a tool and not a life alternative. When used in moderation with correct intention, it can enhance our lives and provide the entertainment or valuable information we need. Harness its power for good while guarding your mental well-being.
