Who hasn’t scrolled through perfectly filtered photos and pondered why their life seems so… “Blah”? Let’s face it, social media has its opportunities and risks. While it can be amazing for connecting with friends and getting the latest news, it can also be a real downer for our mental health. The pressure to give off the ‘perfect’ version of ourselves is a major risk that can take a toll on an individual’s mental health. Social media has a multifaced impact on mental health, having both positive and negative impacts on our well-being.
Social Media’s Positive Impacts
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More often than not, when we think about the impacts of social media, our minds tend to jump to the negative ones. It can be easy to overlook the positive impacts and opportunities social media offers; however, it’s important to recognize that social media isn’t entirely bad for our mental health. The opportunity to connect on social media, like staying connected with friends and family is invaluable, especially when distance is involved. Social media is positive in that it allows us to share our lives and be a part of those who are important to us. This connection bridges the distance and can positively impact our relationships and mental health.
Participation and membership in social media groups can also positively impact our mental health by fostering a sense of community and belonging. We often tend to relate ourselves to others who are like-minded or have gone through similar experiences. Social media groups can offer individuals a safe space to seek support or advice. Participating in social media groups can provide a sense of safety and support for individuals to express themselves. These group interactions can positively impact our mental well-being by easing feelings of loneliness or isolation, and provide opportunities for new relationships.
Social Media’s Negative Impacts
Social media can be a breeding ground for negative mental health impacts, particularly in teens and young adults. The need for approval and validation fuels the chasing of likes and comments on social media. When validation is received it stimulates the reward system of the brain and releases dopamine, creating an addictive cycle. Conversely, when a photo or post does not get the expected engagement, it can be damaging to our self-esteem and result in feelings of inadequacy.
At a social level, social media ignites a general feeling of FOMO—fear of missing out. Social media content is notorious for being fake, filtered, so-called “perfect” versions of reality as we tend to only post about the noteworthy parts of our lives. Furthermore, the endless feed of filtered and photoshopped photos has created an unrealistic beauty standard, evoking self-consciousness and dissatisfaction with our appearances. This can potentially create false perceptions of a fulfilling life. These perceptions can result in feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and dissatisfaction with our own lives and fuel an obsession with checking social media so as not to miss something exciting.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that the impact of social media on mental health and well-being isn’t positive or negative, but a concoction of the two. On the one hand, it facilitates connection and support networks; on the other, it fuels a culture of comparison and unrealistic expectations. In a race for likes and comments, our self-esteem can slowly erode. Curated and filtered lives can quickly leave one feeling inadequate and experiencing FOMO on social media. These negative impacts can potentially worsen, and even lead to depression and anxiety.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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