Social Media and Mental Health

Social media can have both positive and negative effects on our behavior, mental health, relationships, and communication. On the positive side, it provides a platform for meaningful connections, support networks, and increased self-expression. On the negative side, it can fuel comparison, low self-esteem, and cyberbullying. It can also lead to an increase in FOMO (fear of missing out), and a decrease in face-to-face interactions, leading to further social isolation. Social media can also create a false sense of competition, where people compare themselves to others and feel inadequate, this can lead to a decrease in face-to-face interactions and an increase in virtual communication, which can be less meaningful. Additionally, it can lead to cyberbullying and harassment, which can be very damaging to mental health, scrolling through other people's posts can create feelings of envy, leading to depression.

Studies suggest that only a small portion of what exists on social media is real. Estimates vary, but it is generally thought that approximately 30-40% of the content is real, while the remaining 60-70% is fabricated somehow. This includes edited photos, filtered images, and curated posts that are designed to present an idealised version of reality.

One way to avoid FOMO is to limit your time on social media. Set boundaries for yourself and make sure you are not spending too much time scrolling through other people's posts. Remind yourself that social media is not the real world and that people often post idealized versions of their lives. Also, focus on doing activities that make you happy and are meaningful to you, rather than comparing yourself to other people. Comparing oneself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a decrease in self-esteem. Seeing other people's 'perfect' lives can make someone feel like they are not good enough and that they are not living up to societal standards. Always make sure you have a mix of both online and offline relationships, as these can provide a more balanced and supportive environment.

Social media can cause problems in relationships by creating an imbalance in communication. Spending too much time on social media can lead to neglecting real-life relationships. It can also lead to a decrease in face-to-face interactions and an increase in virtual communication, which can be less meaningful. Additionally, it can lead to feelings of jealousy and suspicion if one partner is overly invested in a relationship with someone else online.

Tips for reducing your time spent on social media:

1. Set time limits: Designate specific times to check your social media accounts and stick to it.

2. Reduce notifications: Turn off notifications on your phone or computer to avoid distraction.

3. Unfollow/Unfriend: Unfollow accounts or unfriend people that make you feel bad or distracted.

4. Delete apps: Delete social media apps from your phone or tablet and check in via a web browser instead.

5. Get outside: Spend time outside and do activities that don't involve social media.

6. Connect with people in real life: Spend time with friends and family in person.

Signs that you might have a problem with social media include feeling anxious or depressed when you can't access it, using it to escape from reality, or feeling like you have to check it constantly. If you find yourself feeling like you need to be on social media all the time, it may be a sign of problem behaviour.