Overview
Social Media is always constant in our day to day lives, whether it be at work or in a school environment. It can be a means of communication or entertainment, but at what cost?
Becoming Addictive
Accessing different social media platforms makes the mind release a chemical known as Dopamine. This chemical is usually released when doing pleasurable activities such as eating. Just like eating, social media can cause the mind to release Dopamine when you see the content on social media. The anticipation of what you see, or what you will receive keeps the mind hooked.
Looking for Validation
Many social media platforms allow users to upload images of themselves for others to see. While this is a great way to connect with friends and families, it becomes unhealthy when people start to focus more on receiving validation. This may include likes, followers, comments, and more.
Your mind may start to feel invalidated and depressed when you don’t receive the outcome you're hoping for.
The world of filters and photoshop
With social media being so vast on the internet it is easy to come across celebrities and idols. Most of the images they post are deemed “perfect” for the lack of imperfections.
However, many people may fail to realize that there are apps that allow users to touch up on their images, this includes brightening skin, removing blemishes, adding makeup, or fixing imperfections, to create a picture-perfect image.
Despite having awareness of this, self-esteem can be impacted when they constantly keep seeing “perfect” images online. Making users believe that they as aren’t as perfect, or worthy.
User may feel ashamed or depressed. If it's more severe, it can eventually lead to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).Body dysmorphic disorder is a condition where you are constantly consumed by the thoughts of your body’s imperfections and flaws.
Not wanting to miss out
With our friends, classmates, and colleagues using social media, it can be tempting to keep scrolling through social media to keep being updated on messages.
The fear of not wanting to miss out can take a toll on academic/work life. This constant distraction will keep people away from important actives and goals that need to be finished. This leads to procrastination, to put off something until the very end.
Procrastination itself can have detrimental effects on mental health. An example would be a student procrastinating on all their assignments. This would lead to poor performance, lower grades and eventually higher levels of stress.
Taking initiate
Realizing when it's time to take a step back is great way to not feel overwhelmed by social media. There are many ways to limit yourself on social media while having a positive experience.
Managing Screen Time- Having screentime allows your phone to remind you when you need to put it away, preventing you from endlessly scrolling on social media.
Following Motivational Account - Following accounts that spread positivity and motivation can help bring up self-esteem and an overall good experience on social media.
Meeting up in person- Instead on constantly chatting online, try meeting up with them in person such as a coffee shop. Not only are you taking a break from social media you are also creating a meaningful memory.
Alternate Activities - Instead of scrolling on social media endlessly take part in activities you enjoy; this can range from taking a walk in the park or going to volunteer at a local shelter.
Afterwords
While social media is an exciting world with many positive effects, it is also important to consider the negative effects it can have on our mental health.
With the rush of dopamine when seeing content on social media it can be hard to take a step back. Limiting time on social media and doing other pleasurable activities instead can be beneficial. As social media will always be prevalent in our lives, it hard to avoid it. However
knowing more about it can ensure mental well-being.
Sources:
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
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