The Impact of Social Media on our Mental Health
Times of Bennett | Updated: Apr 06, 2023 11:42
By Anisha Gandhi
Social media has become a part of our modern life. it can provide a sense of connection and community but at the same time it can negatively impact on your mental health . In this blog we will take a look at different ways in which social media can affect our mental health and some tips to manage it.
Research shows that social media can lead toanxiety , depression and loneliness. Constant comparisons, cyberbullying and Fear of missing out(FOMO) all leads to negative emotions. Additionally, social media is addictive and it leads to less face to face interactions with people and decreased productivity.
A study published in theJournal of Social and Clinical Pyschology found that the participants who limited their use of social media to 30 minutes per day for three weeks reported significantly reduced feelings of loneliness and depression . This study suggests that reducing the use of social media may have a positive impact on our mental health.
There are numerous ways to manage the social media usage to improve our overall well being and mental health. Let's explore some ways:
Research shows that social media can lead to
A study published in the
There are numerous ways to manage the social media usage to improve our overall well being and mental health. Let's explore some ways:
- Limit use of social media: Set a specific time for your daily social media usage and stick to it. Consider using a timer or an app that tracks usage.
- Unfollow negative accounts: If you find an account which is offensive, unfollow it. Fill your feed with positive and uplifting content.
- Don't compare yourself with others: Remember that social media often portrays idealized versions of people's life so it may be not accurate. Don't compare yourself with others and try to focus on your goals and achievements.
- Participate in face to face interactions: Take time out for personal conversations with friends and family. This can help in improving overall well being and reduce loneliness.
