Scrolling through Instagram reels, sharing memes on social media, updating social profiles, and comparing our lives on reels to our real lives has become the new normal. Social media usage has grown exponentially, bringing both positive and negative effects to our lives. Social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, providing opportunities for connection, self-expression, and community building. However, as social media presence has grown, so has the discussion about its impact on mental health.
The complex relationship between social media and mental health is “Mental health is important” The campaign is an initiative dedicated to exploring and resolving mental health issues in modern society. As part of this campaign, we “Ask the Experts” The initiative invited individuals from all walks of life to submit their most pressing questions about the intersection of social media and mental health. The responses were heartfelt and diverse, reflecting a wide range of concerns and curiosities.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at expert answers to your questions and provide insights and practical advice for healthier social media use.
The hidden effects of social media on mental health
According to Frontiers in Psychiatry, as of 2022, the world population is 7.91 billion people, of which 4.62 billion actively use social media. On average, individuals spend 6 hours and 58 minutes on the internet per day, with social media platforms taking up 2 hours and 27 minutes of that time.
The study added that despite the widespread use of social media and the significant benefits it offers in terms of instant communication, a number of studies are increasingly linking social media use to negative mental health outcomes, including suicidal thoughts, loneliness and anxiety.
Social media has revolutionized the way we interact by providing a platform to stay connected, share experiences, and seek support. But as many of you have asked, this digital environment is fraught with challenges that can impact our mental health. Your questions revealed deep concerns about the impact of social media addiction, overstimulation, and negative interactions on mental health. Here are answers from leading experts.
1. How does social media addiction affect willpower and mental health?
Social media addiction can certainly weaken your willpower and self-control. The constant search for likes, comments, and online approval creates a cycle of compulsive behavior. This constant desire for external approval can distract you from important tasks, reduce your ability to focus, and lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.” he explained. Archana Singhal, Founder, Mindwell Counsel, Counsellor and Family Therapist, DelhiThis addiction often leads to unhealthy comparisons and a distorted sense of reality, which can have serious consequences on our mental health.
2. How does watching reels for an hour affect mental health?
Watching a reel with rapid, uninterrupted changes in emotions for extended periods of time can leave you feeling emotionally unstable and fatigued.”Social media often displays unrealistic depictions of happiness and success, and the constant stream of idealized moments can lead to dissatisfaction with real life.“Over time, exposure to these situations can increase stress levels and lead to psychological distress,” Singhal says.
3. How does overstimulation from scrolling through Instagram affect us?
Endless scrolling on Instagram can overwhelm your mind with a constant stream of content and lead to overstimulation, a condition that occurs when a person is exposed to too much sensory input, becoming overwhelmed by information from the senses and struggling to process their environment.
“This sensory overload can disrupt sleep, increase stress levels, and lead to mental fatigue.“Overstimulation can reinforce the habit of overthinking, which can further exacerbate mental health issues,” Singhal said.
Managing the emotional impact of social media
Many of you have asked us how to deal with negative experiences on social media and maintain your mental health. Here are some expert recommendations to address these concerns.
4. Why do negative comments on social media affect us so much?
Negative comments on social media can have a serious impact on our mental health due to our innate desire to be accepted and belong.”Feelings of rejection and isolation due to negative comments can make people feel like they are not part of the community.” he explains. Dr Poonam Poonia, Senior Consultant and Clinical Psychologist, Cloud Nine Hospital, GurugramReading negative comments can lead to depression, anxiety, and lack of self-confidence.
To mitigate these effects, here are some tips recommended by experts.
- Read the positive comments: Focus on the positive feedback you receive to offset the negative feedback.
- Seek support from friends: Listen to supportive comments from your friends and boost your happiness.
- Protect yourself from criticism: It’s okay to unfriend, unfollow, block, or delete anyone who makes nasty or hurtful comments.
- Limit your exposure to objectionable content: Set time limits on social media to avoid negative content.
- Manage your online time: Limit the time you spend reading comments and participating in social media.
5. How do you combat social media-induced FOMO?
Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a common problem exacerbated by social media. Combat FOMO by focusing on real-life activities and relationships.Set limits on your social media use and remember that online content often only represents the highlights of other people’s lives.” Singhal advises.
Breaking the cycle of social media addiction
Many of you have asked us about strategies for overcoming social media addiction. Here’s what our experts have to say about breaking the cycle of addiction and finding a healthier balance.
“15% of the general population use the internet for mental health information, and this figure is increasing among younger generations, especially women.,” Said Dr. Victor Leroy, psychiatrist and addiction specialist, Head of Clinical Affairs at Clinique Les Alpes, Switzerland.
It’s important to remember that we are all biased when it comes to the impact of social media on our mental health.”The survey found that fewer than 20% of people believe they have problems with their use of smartphones and social media, but more than half of the population believe they fall into this category.said Dr. Leroy.
“All social media platforms run the risk of making users addicted, as the platform’s essential mission is to capture and hold users’ attention for as long as possible.,” he added.
Escaping the Trap: A Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Social Media Addiction
6. What mechanisms increase the risk of social media addiction?
Social media addiction, as stated in a 2023 study, is a behavioral state in which an individual becomes excessively focused on social media, experiences an irresistible urge to log into or use these platforms, and spends so much time and energy on them that it affects other important areas of their life.
Dr. Leroy lists the causes of social media addiction as follows:
- Infinite Scrolling: The ability to continue scrolling through content without a natural stopping point.
- Automatic reading: Content that plays or refreshes automatically, making it difficult to abandon it.
- Push Notification: Alerts to get you back on the platform and interested in more content.
- Hiding Time: It doesn’t show the time spent on the app so you don’t become conscious of its duration.
7. How to break free from social media addiction?
A study published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine found that social media addicts were 1.6 times more likely to experience psychological changes such as anger, anxiety and stress than non-addicted people.
According to Dr. Leroy, strategies for breaking the cycle of addiction include:
- Control platform settings: Adjust your settings to manage notifications, limit scrolling, and be aware of the time you spend on social media.
- Unplug and replug: Participate in offline, screen-free activities such as:
(a) Schedule phone-free time: Implement a no cell phone rule between 9-10pm to read novels or spend time with family.
(B) Cell phone free meals: To encourage quality time and conversation, establish a rule that you don’t use your phone during meals.
Understanding the far-reaching impact of social media
As part of our research, we also took a closer look at how different social media platforms affect mental health, with each platform having its own unique features that affect users differently.
For example, Instagram’s emphasis on visual content can especially impact teens’ body image and self-esteem, and a 2020 study found that the more time teens spend on Facebook, the higher their levels of depression. Being aware of these differences can help you use social media more mindfully.
Finding peace and fulfillment through social media
Discover how social media can be a force for good and how you can use it to find inner peace and fulfillment.
8. Does social media have a positive effect on mental health?
“Despite the challenges, social media can have a positive impact on mental health. It acts as a platform to raise mental health awareness, provide support to communities and help reduce stigma.”By sharing your personal stories and connecting with others, you can find support and inspiration to manage your mental health.” Dr Poonia concluded.
9. What are some effective ways to regain focus after using social media?
- Engage in physical activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood and cognitive performance.
- Set a time limit: Allocate 10-15 minutes of social media use every few hours and use apps to manage screen time.
- Curate your feed: Follow accounts that provide value and avoid accounts that just encourage mindless scrolling.
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Social media connects us in an incredible way, but it can also lead to addiction, overstimulation, and negative interactions that damage our mental health. Our expert advice offers practical steps for healthier social media use. Setting boundaries, focusing on positive interactions, participating in offline activities, and remembering that online content is often curated can help you better manage your time online.
[Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek professional help or join online communities dedicated to mental health support.]
