In today's world around 63.8% of world population according to DataReportal are on social media.
Of the 5.22 billion people that use social media, only 30% on estimate understand the negative side of social media on their mental health.
In this article you will learn negative effects of social media on your mental health but before that let's first look into the positive effects.
1. Positive effects of social media on mental health
Though 64% in the US said social media negatively affected them according to Pew Research center, social media also provide some good to your mental health.
1.1 Fights depression
Being on social media will prevent you from feeling lonely as it will allow you connect and engage with others.
It can also be a good place to find fellows( meaning people with the same problems) who you can talk to and get some advices on how they won the same battle.
The best thing of social media today is that it contains a lot of nice and engaging content which can prevent you from over thinking.
1.2 Encouragement for Self-Expression
Social media allows you to express your thoughts and abilities, for example when you had a bad day and have no one to talk to you can just open your app and express your feelings in a post.
1.3 Source of motivation
Whenever you feel discouraged, weak, and demotivated, just open you social media platform, you will find there a lot of motivation videos and education content on how you can overcome the current situation.
2. Negative effects of social media on mental health
Yes social media has some positive effects on our mental health but it also has negative effects and we can't leave them behind.
Social media became worse that it lead around 46,000 people in US to suicide in only 2020 according to Social Media Victims Law center.
Here are some of social media negative effects on your mental health you need to know today.
2.1 Online Harassment and bulling
One of the most common negative side of social media which even tops the list of causes of social media suicides is cyberbullying and online harassment.
For example it was seen that younger teens are being bulled and harassed on social media by their fellow classmates due to their physical appearance or races.
Many people today are using social media to attack and make fun of others by just naming themselves other names and hiding their faces.
2.2 Increase of stress
In today's world people are using social media as a tool of showing off. This showing-off done by many is also putting many under stress of wanting to live the same life they see on internet.
2.3 Sleep Disruptions
We all know that our brain is they main key part as it controls the entire body but what happens when the brain doesn't rest well? I think the answer just came up into your mind!
Using social media for many hours will make your brain adapted to sleeping very few hours, this will lead you to savior headaches or even death.
2.4 Reduce of social interaction
Numerous researches have shown than people who spend a lot of time on social media platforms often feel less desire of interacting physically with others.
2.4 Addiction and Reduced Productivity
All social media networks have the same goal which is keeping you on the platform for a long period of time because the more you stay on the planform the more ads you will see and that's how they make money.
Staying on these platforms for most of your day time will make you addictive to them and prevent you from doing other activities which might be essential for your personal growth.
3. Conclusion
Social media has a lot of good to your mental health such as fighting depression, encouragement for self expression and a source of motivation but it also posses bad effects such online bulling, reduce of productivity due to addiction and being a cause of stress. It is your responsibility to use social media as a tool to positive growth rather than a weapon to destroy your life.
4. FAQs
1. How many people commit suicide in 2020 due to social media in USA?
In 2020 46,000 people committed suicide in US due to suicide according to Social Media Victims Law center.
2. Is it possible to quit social media?
Yes it possible to quit social media, it all depend on how you are dedicated and willing to do so.
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