The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
The impact of social media on mental health is a complex and a multifaceted topic. Social media refers to a spectrum of virtual platforms where people can connect to one another regarding a variety of topic. Research shows that it can have both positive and negative effects, depending on how it is used and individual circumstances (Naslund et al., 2020).
Positive Effects
Social Connection: Social media helps people build and maintain connections with friends and family, which can be particularly valuable for those who are geographically distant.
Support Communities: Online forums and groups offer support and advice for individuals dealing with mental health challenges, providing a sense of community and shared experience.
Information and Awareness: Social media can raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and provide information about resources and coping strategies.
Self-Expression: When used appropriately, social medica offer a platform for self-expression and creativity that helps in the healing journey.
(Naslund et al., 2020)
Negative Effects
Comparison and Self-Esteem: Frequent exposure to perceived ideologies of others can lead to negative self-comparison, lower self-esteem, and increased feelings of inadequacy.
Cyberbullying and Harassment: Negative interactions, including cyberbullying, and online harassment can have severe impacts on mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Information Overload: Constant exposure to news and information can be overwhelming, overstimulating and stressful. This may be more evident when repeatedly exposed to negative information.
Privacy Concerns: Issues related to privacy and confidentiality can contribute to anxiety and stress.
(Zainuddin, et al., 2022)
How to Manage the Impact
Mindful Use: Be intentional about social medica and set time limits.
Critical Thinking: Be critical of social media content that provides misinformation.
Offline Balance: Engaging in offline activities and relationships. Spend time connecting with people face-to-face for a more meaningful and purposeful impact.
Seek Professional Help: If social media is contributing to significant distress, it may be helpful to seek advice from mental health professionals.
(Moughal et al., 2023)
While social media has the potential to be useful, it is important to be mindful of its effects on mental health. Being awareness of the sources and information presented will help provide more accurate and informative facts.
References
Moughal, W., Nordin, S. M., Salleh, R. B., & Abbasi, H. A. (2023). Managing social networking stress: the role of self-management in reducing social media exhaustion and improving higher education employee performance. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1254707.
Naslund, J. A., Bondre, A., Torous, J., & Aschbrenner, K. A. (2020). Social media and mental health: benefits, risks, and opportunities for research and practice. Journal of technology in behavioral science, 5, 245-257.
Zainuddin, N. A., Ravichandran, V., & Md Yusof, Z. (2022). The influence of social media on university students’ self-esteem. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 30(3), 1037-1048.
