Understanding the Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

Most of us scroll, scroll, scroll as if we are trying to reach somewhere desperately—where? To sore eyes, painful fingers, stiff necks and a fogged mind. Mindless scrolling is the new addiction that almost inflicts any age—from school-goers, and working adults to veterans, the effects of social media on mental health are more than we know and are long-term. Rehabilitation centres today offer a new de-addiction and mental wellness service—screen addiction and social media compulsions.

The Negative Effects Of Social Media on Mental Health

We know the rewards of social media. From staying connected, updates to the feel-good-factor, social media has truly helped the global society that we are living in. It has helped professionally, financially and logistically. In fact, the positive effects of social media on mental health will eventually relate to the monetary gains and fame earned through social media platforms. However, like with everything else, overuse can ruin things. How does social media affect mental health?

• Drives wrong ideas/impressions/beliefs

Most ‘flashy’ and ‘so-called-attractive’ things on social media are heavily edited, fabricated, staged and untrue. Certain photos and videos can look appealing, doable, ever-so-authentic and likeable. However, in reality, they could be promotional and shot to modify our thinking, manipulate our beliefs and keep us under false impressions. This could be true for certain traditional practices, religious beliefs and political scenarios.

• Not authoritatively vetted—hence gives wrong information

This is very true for medical information. The effects of social media on mental health on healthcare knowledge—DIY and so-called researched videos on foods, skincare, and other health-related topics, if not medically reviewed do more harm than good. People may end up ruining their health conditions, worsening food habits, buying the wrong products and not visiting a doctor, therapist, dentist, etc. under the pretext of social media content.

• It is an easy-access security blanket to cover up deep emotions

Social media can be a "security blanket" for those with anxiety, loneliness, or stress. However, excessive use diverts your mind momentarily and fills in spaces. This masks underlying problems like stress, depression, or boredom. Spending more time on social media during these times can distract from unpleasant feelings and self-soothing moods.

Social media overuse can create a vicious cycle, perpetuating negative effects on mental health. Excessive social media indulgence eventually exacerbates feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety, as it reduces there is zero face-to-face contact or stepping outside the house. Prioritizing social media over in-person relationships increases the risk of developing mood disorders.

• It initiates despair through FOMO (fear of missing out)

FOMO, or fear of missing out, pushes people to compulsively scroll. Let's just go check 'how many like'....' how many comments'... and people keep doing this every minute. How does social media affect mental healthSocial media use can make you worry about being left out of conversations, relationships, or invitations, even though there are hardly any things that need immediate response.

• Exposes you to cyberbullying

This is by far the worst negative effects of social media on mental health. Teens and adults often experience bullying on social media, with offensive comments and hurtful rumors spreading like wildfire. Going viral has left more lasting emotional scars than rewards.

The link between mental and physical health can happen from orthopedic concerns like pain, stiffness, joint issues of the hands, neck and body, postural problems, sedentary lifestyle, binge eating, weight gain, heart issues, diabetes and more.

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre at the Forefront of Social Media De-addiction

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre, with its 16+ years of industry experience, and a team of renowned psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, caregivers, therapists, dieticians and trainers started with screen de-addiction services quite early. This has helped many teens and young adults get their lives back on track. With services specialized for social media addiction related to a specific age group, we have truly highlighted the “effects of social media on mental health”. With talk therapy, group sessions, social activities, diet planning, cognitive behaviour therapy and in-house/appointment-based sessions, we help you or a loved one taper down social media use to where it's supposed to be.