How Social Media Impacts Mental Health And Connection

Social media has become an important part of modern life. Billions of people, all over the world use platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter(X), Facebook(Meta) and LinkedIn to connect with other people and share and consume experiences, ideas and information. Social media has, in many ways, changed the way we communicate and connect with others.

Likewise, in one way or another, it has also impacted our mental health. Some of its impacts might be beneficial, such as staying in contact with loved ones regardless of their geographical location, while others bring about harmful effects towards our mental health. A growing body of research has advised that extreme use of social media can have an intense impact on mental health and connection.

Social media is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has its good, bad and ugly effects on mental health and social connection. While an integral benefit is that it brings people together, it can also bring unwanted attention which can lead to increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, social isolation, low self-esteem and sleep disturbances.

To ease these harmful effects, it is imperative to use these platforms in moderation by prioritizing physical relationships and communication.

By being careful of the way we use social media through setting boundaries and prioritizing our mental health and social connections, we can harness the pros of social media usage while minimizing its cons.

Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks social media has, shall we?

Positive Impact of Social Media

• Self-Expression: We are all able to express our thoughts, ideas, principles, experiences, and curiosity through the help of social media platforms.
• Enhanced Communication: Through social media, we are allowed to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues, regardless of location and time zone. Text messages, videos, photos, emails and updates maintain relationships and build up a feeling of belonging.
• Mental Health Awareness: Social media platforms have been beneficial in the aspect of advocating for mental health awareness. A lot of organizations, which prioritize mental health awareness use social media platforms to spread the word to all and sundry. A good example is the Asido Foundation. Through social media, talks about mental health have been spread which helps to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental well-being. ‘There is no health without mental health’ – Asido Foundation.
• Activism: Social media provide an environment that facilitates social and political engagements, connecting like-minded individuals who will work together for a good cause.
• Access To Information: Social media helps to expand our knowledge and perspectives through various categories of information we seek and questions we ask on various topics like education, entertainment, history and so on.

Negative Impact of Social Media

• Cyberbullying: It has been proven time and again that no one, not even public figures, is safe from cyberbullying. Cyberbullying causes hostile consequences on the victim’s mental well-being such as anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
• False Information: Social media platforms can be centres for misinformation and disinformation leading to broken relationships, either platonic, blood or romantic and erosion of trust between individuals and organizations. Just because you read or hear about it, doesn’t always mean it’s factual.
• Mental Health: Many may not believe that social media can be linked to several mental health issues but it does. In recent times, it has become a primary factor. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbances, and loneliness can all surface due to excessive use of social media. Incessant exposure to curated lifestyles on these platforms can cause social comparison.
• Addiction: This is one of the most common adverse effects of social media. Excessive use of social media births an addictive nature, which in turn results in disorganized sleep patterns, low productivity and even low quality of life.

What are the tactics for healthy social media use?

1. Be careful of the things you post. Think carefully before engaging in any conversation or trend online. Some may be used against you in the future when you least expect it. A lot of corporate organizations conduct background checks on potential employees. Anyone perceived to be a bad image for the company.
2. Prioritize spending more time with your family, friends and even colleagues at work. Go out for brunch, picnics, concerts or organize fun indoor activities such as sleepovers.
3. Consider ‘Digital Detox’. Yep! Take regular breaks from social media and pay attention to other activities.
4. Set specific time limits for yourself when you use social media and follow them religiously