People spend an average of 3-4 hours on their phone every day and 2 hours approximately using social media. Social media has the ability to grab all your attention because it provides every little information of your interest at your fingertips. There is no doubt that social media has both positive and negative effects. Being socially active can boost self-worth, confidence, comfort, and joy but it can also attract several problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, and lacking social connection and increase the severe risk on emotional and mental health. Social media has its benefits but also create a huge impact on real-world human connection. In this article, we will take a look at various ways social media negatively affects our mental health. Dr. Rohit Gupta- the best Neurologist in Faridabad explains how Social Media affects mental health negatively. Read On!
The prevalence of social media can be explained by the data of the population using social media. Approximately 88% population of ages 18-29 has an account on some social media. 78% population between 30-40 years also using some kind of social media platform. But the surprising result attains from the 64% of the population of ages 50-64 who frequently use social media and enjoys it. This stunning data can explain how the culture of social media has grown among the major age groups.
Best Neurologist in Faridabad explaining why most people are addicted to Social Media And Games
- Interpersonal relations and communication are the fundamental needs of human beings. In recent times, social media is a great source to develop and enhance interpersonal communications.
- Every time when you watch a video on any platform such as YouTube, the next video will stream instantly. This will absorb your mind and make it hard to stop watching.
- While scrolling on the Facebook newsfeed, you have always find the news of your interest on your newsfeed. Facebook recognizes the interest of the user so they could not get bored and close the app.
- Many people addictive to social media to get positive social feedback featured on many platforms. Such as thumbs up on Facebook and ‘heart’ on Instagram.
- Every game has several features to compel the visitor to invest more time to build a virtual world that will be harder to avoid or delete the app.
- Zeigarnik effect refers to better remembering tasks that are not required to be completed. Such tasks are more likely to be finished. It can provoke people to buy additional lives by spending money.
Adverse Effect Of Social Media On Brain
Multiple recent studies have shown that the over-the-limit use of social media can lead a person to severe mental conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, self-harm, or even suicidal thoughts. Social media can promote negative impacts on the brain such as:
Increase insecurities about your life and appearances
You can see many people have millions of followers on their social media accounts. They can be named influencers. These people tend to share their airbrushed photos of their holiday in snowy mountains with expensive gadgets or clothes. These people show the highlight of their luxurious lives and the points that everyone may not have. That’s how social media can manipulate thoughts and feelings and the person can feel insecure about their lives.
Fear of missing out (FOMO)
FOMO is an intensified feeling that can have an impact on your self-esteem that triggers by watching others having more fun or having a better life than yours. This idea of missing out on certain things can have a huge impact on your brain. It can force you to check out your for in every single minute. You will prioritize your phone while driving and destroy your all real-world relationships.
Depression & Anxiety
Uncontrolled use of social media can lead to several mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. People cannot even maintain their real relations.
Self-absorption
Today, adults and teenagers desire more attention to be famous on social media. They used to post endless selfies and their innermost thoughts and develop unhealthy self-centeredness.
Stress due to cyberbullying
Being bullied on social media can lead a person to stress. The hurtful comments, rumors, lies, and abuse can have a huge impact on the mental health of today’s generation.
How to minimize the impact of Social Media on Neurological Health – Best Neurologist in Faridabad
- Limit the time duration of using social media
- Set a time for using social media
- Prioritize self-care
- Meditate for at least 10 minutes.
- Listen to your favorite music and podcasts.
Engage yourself in different activities
Do things that make you happy and encourage yourself to try something new. You can do dancing, painting, drawing, planting, etc.
Manage your social media feed
- Unfollow the unnecessary accounts.
- Keep following the accounts that make you feel good and inspiring.
- Control your comments and posts
- Disable the notifications.
Conclusion
You’re possibly affected by social media if you experience several symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, lack of concentration, creativity, fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, and difficulty in sleeping. You can consider the tips for avoiding social media. However, you can seek the help of your healthcare professional and your loved ones who can protect you from the negative aspects of social media. To know more, book an appointment with Dr. Rohit Gupta – the best Neurologist in Faridabad.
