Why is social media bad? Does it bring about adverse mental health outcomes? These are some of the burning questions medical experts and users seek answers to.
At the Time 100 summit in 2019, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, said something fascinating: you are doing the wrong thing if you are looking at a phone more than you are looking at someone’s eyes. What does this statement mean in a digital age like ours?
The simple observation from one of the world’s top CEOs in the tech industry highlights the undeniable – our continuous detachment from genuine human connection. Interestingly, social media, the tool designed to connect us from the onset, has ironically begun to do the exact opposite.
Who doesn’t want likes, shares, and comments on their post? This instant validation has led over 60% of global social media users to prioritize screen time over face-to-face interaction.
This article will shed light on the negative effects of social media and the healthy ways to use this incredible tool. Let’s jump right in!
We can no longer underestimate the effect of SM on our emotions and health behavior. Therefore, asking the right question is crucial when dealing with the negative effects of social media on mental health.
Before we jump on the bad news, let’s look at the brighter side of things. So, why is social media good?
For many, social media serves as a lifeline for social connection. It comes in handy in situations where physical or geographical barriers exist. Users can stay abreast with current events or form new social connections at the tap of a button.
This has undoubtedly enriched many lives. Furthermore, cross-sectional studies have shown that for some, social media can foster feelings of belonging and provide support during tough times. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, social media became the primary means of getting in touch with loved ones as movements were strictly frowned upon.
What’s more, social media offers a platform for mental health professionals to share valuable insights, allowing users to become more informed and proactive about their emotional health. For instance, teenage girls battling body image concerns might find solace in online communities that promote body positivity and self-love.
On the flip side, we also must answer the question, why is social media bad? Here are some answers:
Let’s begin this list with the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). It is one of the most pervasive emotions triggered by social media. We see this happen when a user scrolls through their feeds and see peers enjoying events, vacations, or related experiences.
This individual can start feeling inadequate. Unfortunately, this constant exposure to others’ highlights, often exaggerated, can lead to diminished subjective well-being.
The social media user starts feeling left out, leading to anxiety and depression. Why? They’ve compared their daily life to the seemingly perfect lives of others online.
Next on the list of negative effects of social media are filters. Their advent and image-editing tools can be said to be good just as it is… not so good. Truly, they add a fun element to our posts but also set unrealistic standards of beauty and success.
This hasn’t helped the emotional health of adolescents in particular. The edited portrayals can lead to body image concerns and feelings of depression. Unfortunately, the line between real life and a filtered reality becomes blurred over time.
As a result, it impacts users’ perceptions of themselves and their self-worth. This skewed vision can have adverse effects, not only on mental but also on physical health, as users might engage in harmful health behaviors to achieve what they perceive as the “ideal.”
Experimental studies reveal something fascinating: symptoms of depression and anxiety disorder with higher frequency among heavy SM users. Experts say the decrease in real-life social interactions leads to loneliness and isolation. Their studies suggest symptoms result from the shifts from the quality of social connections to the quantity measured in likes, shares, and comments.
We cannot round up the negative effects of social media without highlighting its addictive, risky behaviors. Remember, these platforms are designed to get you hooked. In other words, they feed into the human psyche’s reward system.
The dopamine-driven feedback loops created by notifications, likes, and messages can make these platforms almost addictive. If you are an active user, you’ll find that you habitually check your account, even without realizing it.
This borderline addictive behavior can distract from actual responsibilities such as work and quality family time. Mental health experts often encounter instances where the boundary between daily life and digital life is perilously thin, underscoring the need for awareness and balance.
Reputable organizations have called for change, given the increasing awareness of the negative impact of social media on mental health. Their position is that if social media platforms are to remain sustainable and beneficial to users in the long run, several modifications are imperative.
Here’s how these platforms can evolve:
Social media can be both refreshing and challenging. The impact on mental well-being is undeniable. Hence, adopting practices that prioritize emotional health becomes crucial.
Here are some tips to help deal with the negative effects of social media:
There you have it, folks: a balanced expose on the impacts of social media on mental health. We’ve discussed the good and the ugly and answered the question: why is social media bad for teens? While SM can be a great tool for connecting with others, for business or personal purposes, it’s important to note that it can be addictive. By following the tips outlined in this article and focusing on the ethical use of social media, we can all reap the benefits of these tools while mitigating the risks. Good luck!