HOW DOES SOCIAL MEDIA AFFECT MENTAL HEALTH?

Social media, which connects users to jobs, education, businesses, and each other, is an integral part of our daily lives, from Facebook to TikTok and everything in between. Although social media facilitates these interactions and reduces feelings of loneliness, it also has a negative impact on users' mental and emotional health.

Social media has evolved over the last ten years into a double-edged sword as users scroll to kill time, present polished versions of themselves, or connect with loved ones. It may be a fantastic tool for communicating with those who are important to us, for learning new things, and for expressing ourselves. While social media can have certain advantageous purposes, there are physiological impacts on the brain that affect the dopaminergic pathways.

As data has continued to rise, studies about how social media affects young adults' mental health have significantly increased in recent years. Astute Analytica's analysis indicates that from 2023 to 2031, the global market for Mental Health Market will expand at a CAGR of 4.43%. Suicide is the second greatest cause of mortality among those aged 15 to 29 worldwide, affecting over 20% of children and adolescents. Additionally, millions of individuals around the world suffer from depression, a prevalent mental illness.

Let's learn how does social media affect mental health?

Addiction to Social Media Channels:

The psychiatric literature routinely discusses and occasionally debates the validity of Internet addiction and addiction to online social networking. The mental attention of many chronic SNS users, who tend to overlook other facets of their social functioning, such as family and offline friends, is one of the main factors supporting SNS's addictive character.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) Among Teenagers:

FOMO is the notion that others are having better experiences or, in general, leading better lives. The idea that others participate in more enjoyable activities or perform better denotes the dread of missing out. Social media can increase the fear of losing out, which is a powerful instrument. Fear of missing out can result in depressive symptoms, heightened anxiety, or a desperate attempt to "keep up" that many individuals simply cannot afford. It occasionally can result in overspending and other financial difficulties.

Increased Risk of Depression:

Regular social media users may have the same increased risk of anxiety and despair as teenagers. On the surface, excessive social media use could appear to present a vital chance for connection and amusement. But upon closer inspection, it might put people at an increased risk for sadness and possibly self-harm.

Increased Risk of Loneliness

Most teenagers spontaneously form friendship circles with their peers, which can combat feelings of isolation. They frequently interact with their peers at school, sports, and club activities. However, adults may find it difficult to socialize, make friends, and connect. While social media can provide an opportunity for adults to interact and connect, many, especially parents who remain at home with their children or adults who work from home frequently, may discover that it needs to be a better replacement for genuine peer interactions.

Social media, especially when virtual contacts post about going out and participating in activities, can bring that loneliness into stark contrast.

Closing Note

For many people, the social media conundrum continues to be a major issue. Social media can have an adverse effect on one's mental health or make it more difficult to recover from such illnesses. Help may be required if social media is causing your general mental health to deteriorate.

Original Source

https://astute273.widblog.com/74881182/how-does-social-media-affect-mental-health