Social Media’s Double-edged Sword Effect on Mental Health

Ms.Prerna Dusi

Asst.Prof.Department of CS&IT

Kalinga University Raipur

In recent years, social media has become a vital aspect of daily life for millions of individuals worldwide. Through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, users can interact, exchange stories, and express themselves. However, the impact of social media on mental health is causing researchers, educators, and medical professionals to become increasingly concerned. This article explores the beneficial and negative effects of social media on mental health, with support from recent studies.

Positive Effects of social media

1.Establishing a Community

Social media’s capacity to promote connection and community is among its most important advantages. Social media gives people who might feel alone—like those who suffer from mental health issues—a way to get support. Online groups can provide support, empathy, and a feeling of inclusion. According to a study by Seabrook, Kern, and Rickard (2016), social media can lessen loneliness and promote social support.

2. 2. Education and Awareness

Another useful technique for increasing awareness of mental health issues is social media. Social media is used by initiatives like #BellLetsTalk and #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth to raise public awareness of mental health issues and lessen stigma. A poll by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that social media has played a crucial role in increasing public understanding of mental health issues.

3. Availability of Resources

            Social media can give people access to resources for mental health,

            including counseling     applications, helplines, and instructional materials.  

            These   venues    are used by many mental health experts to exchange useful

            knowledge and coping mechanisms. To reach a larger audience, mental health groups,

            for   example, frequently publish advice on how to deal with anxiety or despair.

            Negative Effects of Social Media

1. Problems with Self-Esteem and Comparison

Social media can have a detrimental effect on mental health despite its advantages. Curated online personas increase the propensity to compare oneself to others, which can result in low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. According to research by Tiggemann and Slater (2014), young women’s body dissatisfaction and social media use were strongly correlated, indicating that exposure to idealized pictures may negatively impact one’s self-image.

2. Bullying online

Cyberbullying is a widespread problem associated with social media, where people can be harassed, threatened, or humiliated online. Anxiety, depression, and other severe mental health conditions are frequently experienced by victims of cyberbullying. Teenagers who are cyberbullied show higher levels of psychological discomfort than their peers, according to a study by Kowalski et al. (2014).

      3.Distraction and Addiction

People who are addicted to social media may feel obligated to check their accounts on a regular basis. This obsessive use can cause tension and worry by taking time away from obligations and relationships in real life. According to research by Andreassen et al. (2016), mental health issues like anxiety and depression may be linked to excessive social media use.

Conclusion

There are benefits and drawbacks to social media’s complicated impact on mental health. It offers valuable opportunities for education, support, and connection, but it also has risks that can lead to mental health problems. As social media use continues to evolve, it is imperative that users, educators, and mental health professionals promote positive online behavior and reduce its detrimental effects.

References

1. Andreassen, C. S., Pallesen, S., & Griffiths, M. D. (2016). The relationship between addictive use of social media and the presence of mental health issues: A systematic review. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 5(1), 1-17.
2. Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., & Schroeder, A. N. (2014). Bullying in the digital age: A critical review and meta-analysis of cyberbullying research among youth. Psychological Bulletin, 140(4), 1073-1137.
3. Seabrook, E. M., Kern, M. L., & Rickard, N. S. (2016). Social networking sites, depression, and anxiety: A systematic review. JMIR Mental Health, 3(4), e50.
4. Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2014). NetGirls: The Internet, Facebook, and body image concern in adolescent girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 47(6), 630-633.