Social Media on Mental Health

Excessive social media usage has been linked to various mental health problems. 

As of April 2023, individuals spend an average of almost 2.5 hours daily on social media platforms. Alarming statistics indicate a 25% increase in suicide attempts between 2009 and 2017, and teenage girls using social media for at least 2 hours daily are at a higher risk for suicide as adults. The likelihood of major depressive episodes also surges by 37%, and heavy teen users face increased risks of mental health problems like depression, anxiety, aggression, and antisocial behavior.

Why is Social Media So Addicting?

• Connectivity: Social media facilitates connections with distant friends and family.

• Learning & Communities: It offers platforms for learning and fosters the creation of online communities.

• Reward System Activation: The connection and external validation trigger the brain's reward system, leading to feelings of withdrawal or distress when usage stops.

• Unpredictable Rewards: The unpredictable nature of rewards like likes, comments, or engaging stories reinforces the urge to constantly check or post online.

• Engaging Design: Features like infinite feeds, push notifications, and predictive algorithms are designed to keep users hooked.

How Social Media Impacts Mental Health

• Negative Self-Comparison: Studies show that heavy social media users tend to rate their mental health lower than occasional users due to constant comparison with others.

• Sleep Disruption: Social media use can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to decreased, disrupted, or delayed sleep associated with depression, memory loss, and poor academic performance.

• Cyberbullying: Exposure to online harassment and bullying on social media platforms can severely affect mental health.

Managing the Effects

• Minimize Usage: Set limits on social media time.

• Find Healthy Alternatives: Engage in activities like exercise, journaling, or hobbies to replace social media use.

• Sleep Hygiene: Keep your phone out of reach while sleeping to avoid distractions.

• Turn Off Notifications: Disable push notifications to resist the urge to check your phone constantly.

• Set Boundaries: Restrict social media access in specific situations like work, driving, or during quality time with loved ones.

By understanding the addictive nature of social media and its potential impact on mental health, we can take proactive steps to manage its use and prioritize our well-being.