Manage Social Media for Better Mental Health
Social media connects us with others like never before. However, excessive or problematic use also correlates with several mental health issues. Studies find links to depression, anxiety, loneliness and more, especially for teens and young adults. But with moderation and mindfulness, social media need not negatively impact wellbeing. Understanding potential risks helps manage use for better mental health.
FOMO and Comparison
Two major ways social media influences mental health involve fear of missing out (FOMO) and social comparison . Constantly seeing updates about others’ idealized lives through curated posts sparks feelings of being left out. Comparison to these selectively highlighted experiences then makes one’s own life seem boring or inadequate.
This mismatch between perceived social realities breeds insecurity and dissatisfaction. Over time, constant FOMO and upward social comparison across multiple networks correlates with symptoms of depression and anxiety in studies. Therefore limiting exposure to idealized others and curating your own feed helps minimize these impacts.
Problematic Use and Addiction
Endless scrolling, compulsive checking and addiction-like behaviors around social media show links to mental health consequences as well . Problematic use patterns activate the brain’s reward system similarly to substance abuse.
Yet social media provides no clear ‘high’ people can build tolerance to. Thus users seek ever-greater stimulation through more content, likes and follows – affecting mood, sleep, productivity and relationships. Diagnosable social media addiction also correlates with higher rates of depression and anxiety in research.
Recognizing your own use patterns therefore becomes crucial to curbing potentially destructive behaviors that harm wellbeing. Unfollowing accounts, limiting notifications and setting time limits all mitigate dependence and compulsive use.
Positive Uses Support Wellbeing Too
Importantly, when used positively social media also benefits mental health in many ways . Connecting with supportive networks, following uplifting content and seeking community boost feelings of social connection and purpose.
Sharing one’s authentic self through updates builds self-esteem, while active participation like commenting lifts mood. Intrinsically motivated use focused on meaningful relationships and interests correlates with better wellbeing in contrast to passive scrolling.
Thus the key involves balancing social media’s benefits and risks for mental health. Monitor use patterns, compare yourself less and fill feeds with uplifting content instead of idealized others. Then, connect with others in ways that align with your values and support your wellbeing – online and off.