Social media is now a prominent feature in the contemporary global community as it plays multiple roles in people's daily existence. From these social media platforms there is interaction with other people on how one feels, and getting news on events that occur internationally some of them include facebook, insta, twitter and recently tiktok. The advantages of social media are for instance one can make new friends, achieve a social status by the use of statutes and posts, share both posts and pictures, but on the other hand, the disadvantages include the fact that it is destructive to one's health. Analyzing the impact of social networking sites on subjective health, it is necessary to consider both the opportunities and the problems of using social media platforms, including possible solutions
Positive aspects of social media
Prior to exploring the drawbacks, it's critical to acknowledge the benefits social media can provide for mental health:
Social Connectivity
Individuals can use social media for interaction with family, friends, and communities across borders of geography. Many individuals, particularly those who live far away from loved ones or in remote regions rely on these platforms to stay linked and meet new friends.
Support networks
People may employ social media groupings and online forums as an avenue for expressing their experiences and find support for various kinds of mental health problems. As individuals work through their difficulties, these organizations of support allow individuals to feel less alone by providing reassurance, empathy, and encouragement.
Raising awareness
Social media has grown to be useful as it increases awareness of mental health issues. Through charities, hashtags, and people's initiatives, the severity of such issues as anxiety, depression, and suicide has been brought to the public's attention.As a result, their is a possibility of less stigma and more encouragement to seek treatment.
Access to resources
Social media makes it easier to obtain mental health resources involving information, telephone numbers, and trained assistance. Several organizations use social media to share crucial data including coping strategies, self-care suggestions and learning resources.
Social Media's Harmful Impact on Mental Health
Social media can have adverse effects on mental health even if it has positives; this is particularly so for reactive demographics like teens and young people. The following are some important ways that using social media may influence mental health:
Comparison and Self-Esteem Issues
Social media venues are usually flooded with well chosen material that showcases the good aspects of citizens' lives. These "highlight reel" analogies might make some people feel not sufficient, jealous, or disappointed with their own lives. This may contribute to low self-esteem, body image problems, and feelings of inadequacy over time.
Addiction & Time Management
Social networking platforms have the goal to attract and ensnare users. That is why humans waste too much of their time on social media: fear of missing out, or FOMO, as it is called in the vernacular.Scrolling down ceaselessly and receiving numerous alerts are two other major variables. Overuse can exacerbate behavioral issues including anxiety and depression, impair regular activities, have a damaging impact on sleep patterns, and decrease profitability.
Cyberbullying and harassment
Harassment like taking a stand, attack and cyber bullying may be fostered by social media since several people use the accounts in secret. Unfortunately, cyber abuse could cause several mental health difficulties in the victim; therefore, the victim could exhibit anxiety, depressive disorders as well as suicidal intentions. Since most of the social platforms are employed, the victims cannot prevent the abuse that may occur at any time and any place.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
FOMO, or fear of missing out on interesting or fulfilling experiences that other people have shared online, is a psychological disorder.Excessive usage of social media, loneliness, and life frustration could result from this.
Reduced Attention span and focus
The fast-paced environment of social media, with an endless influx of new content, may culminate in short attention spans and trouble concentrating on assignments. This may negatively impact cognitive performance and productivity, causing frustration as well as anxiety.
Negative Effect on Sleep
Social media browsing late at night can interfere with sleep habits, as screens reflect blue light.Some of the mental illnesses that have been associated with poor sleep quality include anxiety, depression, and behavior disorders.
Mitigate Negative Impacts of Social Media
Social media is a source of negative impacts in people's lives as it emanates from different ways in which its completely utilized.
Set boundaries
Limiting the duration of time dedicated to social media each day may assist with avoiding misuse and accompanying mental health consequences. Consider reducing your social media use or taking regular breaks to focus on other duties.
Curate your feed
Be mindful about the content you acquire on social media. Unfollow accounts that make you feel depressed or unreliable, and instead follow those who inspire, promote learning, and motivate. Curating your feed includes uplifting and encouraging posts may benefit your mental health.
Practice mindfulness
It is vital for knowing how social media influences your emotions. If you see how particular activities or information negatively impact your mental health, take a step back and evaluate why. Mindfulness can help you become more cognisant of your emotions and make more accurate decisions about how you utilize social media.
Seek Support
Never be reluctant to get psychotherapy if you feel that social media has detrimental effects on your mental health. Seek a mental health professional, a trustworthy relative, or a close friend. Virtual counseling and mental health services are widely accessible these days, and they can be quite helpful.
Educate and raise awareness
We shall never cease raising consciousness over the adverse effects that social media use has on mental health. A safer internet environment might be accomplished by informing everyone, but especially the younger generation, about potential hazards brought about by social media and advocating responsible use.
Digital technology offers many opportunities for interactions, support, and comprehension, but it also carries a number of serious concerns, especially when used carelessly or excessively. Individuals can benefit from social media while avoiding its negative consequences by understanding the possible impacts on mental health and implementing appropriate online habits. To create a more nutritious, more positive virtual world, we must continue to raise mental health awareness and promote proper social media use.
