The use of social media impacts our society and mental health. It can increase connections and self-esteem while also giving a sense of belonging. While social media platforms have revolutionized our way of communicating and connecting with others, they have brought some adverse effects.
- Social isolation: Social isolation is when you spend too much time on social media. People can feel more comfortable expressing themselves online rather than in person. This causes a need for face-to-face interactions with people in real life. This can limit our ability to communicate with others effectively.
- Cyberbullying: Social media can become a place of a breeding ground for hate and anger. All of this hate and anger can eventually lead to a significant impact on our mental health. This impact can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
- The fear of missing out: The fear of missing out is an effect that social media creates daily. This fear of missing out can lead to anxiety and stress. It can also distract our daily lives, making it difficult to concentrate on one thing.
In conclusion, although social media can bring many positive changes in our world, it is essential to keep in mind the adverse side effects on our mental health. Using social media mindfully and balancing online interactions with real-life connections is crucial. We as a society need to take breaks from social media overall to improve our mental health and society.
Related Articles
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm
- https://www.apa.org/members/content/social-media-research
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437
- https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/12/06/views-of-social-media-and-its-impacts-on-society-in-advanced-economies-2022/
- https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/impact-of-social-media/
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