🖱️ Accessing social media has become part of the daily routine today. In 2023, it was estimated that there were 4.9 billion social media users worldwide, and the average person spends 145 minutes a day on it.

Although the internet has brought many positive things, such as connection with friends, family, and people around the world, or access to various content, such as news, recipes, books, online courses, etc., the internet certainly has its dark side.

🏥 One part of that dark side is the impact of social media on mental health. The Child Mind Institute published a study suggesting that regular social media users feel more anxious than those who do not spend as much time on their screens.

Reasons why social media affects our mental health 👇

1. Social media causes addiction 😵

Social media is a source of dopamine. According to a study conducted by Harvard, using social media activates the same part of the brain as when taking an illegal substance that causes addiction. For example, when a user receives a like, the brain gets a rush of dopamine, causing the person to feel pleasure. This happens because the brain area activated is the reward part that triggers the same kind of chemical reactions as illegal substances. Scientists compared social media interaction to a dopamine being injected directly into the system.

2. Filters distort reality 👩‍🦱

The use of various filters on social media is another reason why users feel depression and anxiety. The reason is that although filters can be a fun thing that will make the masses laugh, they have the ability to change physical appearance and hide imperfections, creating illusions. Since social media is part of our daily routine, excessive exposure can create insecurity and a feeling of dissatisfaction with one's appearance.

3. Lack of physical activity 🤷‍♀️

Although using social media creates short-term dopamine, this cannot replace physical activity. Sitting in front of a screen causes a person to lose time for physical activity that could build confidence, a sense of achievement, and connection with other people. Unlike social media, these feelings do not create addiction but a sense of life satisfaction.

4. Lack of sleep 🧟

Research has shown that a user loses one hour of good sleep when using a screen one hour before bedtime compared to those who do not use a screen before bed. The reason is the blue light from the screen, and frequent exposure to it before bed can disrupt your sleep pattern. Blue light affects our body's release of the hormone melatonin, which helps us fall asleep. Before bed, this can trick our body and brain into thinking it is day, keeping us awake instead of sleepy.

Since social media is here to stay, it is important for users to create a safe space for themselves. It is important to remember that social media should be used to improve oneself, one's business, and relationships with people who have the same or similar interests.

Social media is there to enhance the user's offline world, not to replace it.

SOURCES

1. Top Social Media Statistics And Trends Of 2024, Forbes
2. Does Social Media Use Cause Depression?, The Child Mind Institute
3. Social Media Addiction, Addiction Center
4. Bedtime Use of Technology and Associated Sleep Problems in Children, Sage Journals