How Does Social Media Affect Mental Health? Social media – Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat – is everywhere, and it’s difficult not to use it. Our working and personal lives are intertwined, so even those with minimal interaction still use it.
Pew Research Surveys shows that 68% of Americans use these platforms at least once a day. Additionally, it also reveals that 90% of teenagers use social media and 74% use about five platforms.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Consequently, 39% of users are addicted, and another 59% say it has affected their mental health. We explore its effects.
Comparison Leads to Low Self-Esteem
Someone on social media will always have a better quality of life than you. They will have a better car, better house, better vacations, relationships, you name it. Constant exposure to such pages will leave you feeling inadequate about your life. Hence, people try to mimic particular lifestyles. An inability to measure up dents your self-esteem.
Cyberbullying
In 2022, Pew Research revealed that nearly half (46%) of American teens between 13 and 17 online have been bullied primarily because of their physical appearance. As a result, they can be depressed and lack confidence in themselves. Celebrities have spoken against online bullying and forced the platforms to enforce stricter policies. Hence, the introduction of a block button and closing comments.
People Also Read: 7 Unique Uses of AI in Everyday Life
Get a laptop from Amazon to make working from home easier.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
FOMO is a reality for many social media users. Due to the portrayal of particular lifestyles, users might feel compelled to conform to the trending ideas and practices to post them and seem fashionable. Also, seeing your friends post about parties or accomplishments can leave you feeling less.
People Also Read: 8 Ways Job Automation Can Affect the Market
You can forget to eat when working from home but with InstaCart, you can get everything at the tap of your screen.
Sleep Deprivation
Many people spend a significant portion of their night doom scrolling, thus interrupting their sleep pattern. The light emitted by screens interferes with the natural body sleep-wake cycle, causing insomnia. This lack of quality sleep can lead to mental health problems.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.
Isolation
Social media might give us a way to connect globally, but it can also lead to loneliness. While you can message someone from other parts of the world, the lack of interpersonal human interaction leaves you yearning for something different. Moreover, some people distance themselves from their friends and focus on social media, contributing to isolation.
People Also Read: 5 Best Cell Phones on the Market in 2024 for You
You can buy different types of laptop stands at Best Buy.
Negative Content
Many people have increased levels of anxiety due to constantly exposing themselves to negative social media content. They are infuriated after reading news headlines or comments from people who disagree with them or using their time to respond to negative comments. This leaves them mentally exhausted and can affect their mental health.
In Conclusion
Social media is a good way of making global connections, but its use has proven to have detrimental mental health effects on users. For those asking the question, “How Does Social Media Affect Mental Health?” the article explains its impacts with researched data. Social media platforms have provided features to help users stay safe, but more still needs to be done.
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire, and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African Americans, Africans, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
