Mental Health and Social Media

Dawakit Lepcha

Assistant Professor Faculty of Commerce and Management dawakit.lepcha@kalingauniversity.ac.in

Overview

Social media has revolutionised our interactions, communication, and information-gathering processes. The discussion on social media platforms’ effects on mental health has gained traction as a result of their integration into daily life, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. This article provides a thorough review to direct future conversation and study as it examines the benefits and drawbacks of social media use and its effects on mental health.

There are various advantages of social media for mental health. Above all, it improves communication and builds relationships, enabling people to keep and fortify their bonds with friends and family even when they live far away. This connectedness can boost one’s sense of belonging, lessen feelings of loneliness, and offer emotional support.

Social media platforms are also very helpful for raising awareness of and providing support for mental health issues. They provide access to support groups, instructional materials, and mental health resources, assisting people in learning more and locating local options. Platforms can provide comfort and a forum for sharing experiences for people dealing with mental health problems, which can help with coping and healing.

Social media can also be a creative outlet for individuals, giving them a platform to express their emotions and creativity. This kind of self-expression can increase self-worth and serve as a vehicle for encouraging feedback.

Social media offers benefits, but it also has some significant disadvantages. Extensive studies reveal a robust association between elevated levels of anxiety, sadness, and loneliness with frequent usage of social media. Constant exposure to well-chosen photos and perfected lifestyles might cause negative self-talk and harmful comparisons.

Cyberbullying is a serious problem as well. Particularly for younger users, online harassment can have serious emotional and psychological effects. Social media’s anonymity and reach have the potential to magnify unpleasant experiences and have a lasting impact on mental health.

Furthermore, there is growing concern about social media addiction. Overuse can cause problems with everyday life, sleep cycles, and social interactions, which can exacerbate mental health issues. Stress and feelings of inadequacy can worsen due to social media platforms’ addictive qualities, which are fuelled by algorithms meant to maximise participation.

Impact on mental health
Social media has a complex effect on mental health. On the one hand, it offers useful resources for social interaction and support, both of which are advantageous for mental health. On the other hand, there are serious drawbacks, like a higher risk of anxiety, despair, and cyberbullying.

Studies emphasise the value of moderation and careful use. Social media can be a useful tool for information sharing and positive connections, but it also has concerns that need to be carefully managed. In order to balance the benefits and negatives of social media, it is imperative to establish boundaries for usage and cultivate digital literacy abilities.

Conclusion
Social media is a tremendous tool that can both improve and impede mental health. Its drawbacks, which include anxiety, despair, and cyberbullying, outweigh its benefits in terms of social interaction, support, and self-expression. Users must understand the advantages and drawbacks of social media as it develops further.

Subsequent investigations ought to concentrate on inventing tactics to optimise the favourable consequences of social media while tackling its unfavourable repercussions. Encouraging people to utilise digital devices with awareness and education can benefit mental health in general and assist people in navigating the complexity of social media. A balanced strategy will be essential to capitalise on social media’s advantages while mitigating its possible drawbacks as the digital landscape expands.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7364393/
2. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm