Amruta Makode
By: Amruta Makode
Worth Noting:
- Social media has glamourized everything. Most of the people don’t live in the moment but tend to be in a hurry of posting posts to share the good time they are having .Being restless and continuous checking feeds is also not good for mental health.
- Being active on social media is fine but getting affected by the reactions you are getting for your post is not a healthy habit. Feeling low if your posts do not get the number of likes which you were expecting is not good for mental health. Also, you need to remember not all users are your well-wishers They are cases of cyberbullying.
Exotic holidays, delicious food, grand wedding celebrations, fancy pre-wedding shots, major achievements and memorable special events of life. Social media platforms are full of such posts.
Social media is a great platform for connecting people. It also gives a sense of recognition and a platform where the users can share their life’s experiences. Also users can unleash their creativity and explore their areas of interest on social media platforms.
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A platform which was meant to connect people has become a major cause of mental health issues among the users. Social media users with low self-esteem seek validation from others and through their posts. It should be remembered one should not seek validation from others but a person’s self-worth should be fueled by believe in oneself. It is also seen that there were users who constantly keep on comparing their lives with luxurious lifestyles depicted by most of the users on social media not realising that everyone have their own journey and own struggles. Each person’s path is different. Most of the people showcase fancy and pleasant part of their lives on social media, which is the half-truth. Looking at the luxurious lives of other users, as showcased by them on social media people are developing a feeling of inadequacy and jealousy also.
Social media has glamourized everything. Most of the people don’t live in the moment but tend to be in a hurry of posting posts to share the good time they are having .Being restless and continuous checking feeds is also not good for mental health.
Being active on social media is fine but getting affected by the reactions you are getting for your post is not a healthy habit. Feeling low if your posts do not get the number of likes which you were expecting is not good for mental health. Also, you need to remember not all users are your well-wishers They are cases of cyberbullying.
A cyberbullying is when someone repeatedly and intentionally harasses, mistreats and makes fun of another person by the way of an electronic device. It can severely impact self-esteem and mental health.Social media platforms can be hotspots for cyber bullying and spreading hurtful rumours, lies and abuse that can leave lasting emotional scars. Your accomplishments posts on social media can also invite jealous eyes.
People are becoming more and more addictive to social media these days.
Social media use may increase feelings of anxiety and depression. The addictive nature of social media activates the brain’s reward center by releasing dopamine. This is a “feel -good chemical” linked to pleasurable activities. Social media focuses on physical appearance. Social media platforms provide user with the option to use filters on an image. Constant exposure to altered images can lead you to self-conscious and dislike the way you look.
The use of social media increases feeling of Fear of Missing Out .Checking your friends, family and relatives through social media may make you feel that others are having more or living better lives than you are.
Also too much of screen time overloads the sensory system, fractures attention and depletes mental reserves.
Every coin has two side similarly social media has positive and negative effects.
A great way to improve your relationship with social media and help decrease the negative effects is to decrease screen time.
Following tips would help:
Set time limits on social media apps within your phone settings.
- Designate specific hours for social media usage.
- Look through your friends and followers list and unfriend people whose accounts make you feel bad yourself.
- Spend time offline meeting friends, relatives and acquaintances.
- Take time to evaluate your social media use and how it affects you.
- Taking any steps to limit screen time or improve your relationship with your phone can positively impact your mental health.
It is suggested to find fulfillment and happiness outside of social media.
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