Social media has become an integral part of our everyday lives, and it can be hard to remember how we got by before it existed. In fact, social media might seem like such an innocuous way to connect with your friends that you don’t even think about the effect it could have on your mental health. However, studies are showing that social media can cause mental health issues like anxiety and depression, especially in younger users who use the platforms more frequently. To help you avoid experiencing these negative effects, here are 10 ways social media can negatively affect your mental health.
1) Saturation
With so many different social media platforms to choose from, it can be hard to keep up. There are always new platforms being introduced to us with the promise of a better way to connect with other people or promote our interests and activities. Too much time on any one platform can lead to depression, addiction, FOMO (fear of missing out), self-esteem issues, feelings of inadequacy or general unhappiness – even envy!
2) Comparison
Social media can be toxic when it becomes a part of our routine, where we log on first thing in the morning and stay until bed. If this is happening to you and it’s having a negative effect on your mental health, I have some suggestions for keeping social media use healthy:
- Set a time limit – even if it’s just 15 minutes every day.
- Prioritize your offline relationships before logging on.
