Impact of Social Media on Users’ Mental Health
By Maymunah Abdulwahab
In the era of curated perfection, where likes and followers have become the currency of self-worth, social media has become a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has revolutionised the way we connect and share experiences, bridging geographical divides and fostering global communities.
On the other hand, it has created a culture of comparison, anxiety, and loneliness, where the highlight reels of others’ lives leave us feeling inadequate, insecure, and overwhelmed. Imagine a world where you are constantly surrounded by a chorus of voices each one whispering messages of inadequacy, beauty, and success. With each swipe, like and comment, we are perpetuating a culture of competition, where self-worth is measured by the numbers of followers, like, and comment we accumulate. Social media has become a ticking time bomb, silently sabotaging our mental wellbeing with each passing day.
Sharing personal information, such as location, relationship status, or even daily activities on social media, can lead to a loss of personal boundaries and privacy.
This information can be accessed by a wide audience, including potential employers, advertisers, and even malicious individuals. It is important to be cautious about what you share online and consider the potential consequences.
The constant stream of updates and activities on social media can create a fear of missing out on what others are doing. This can lead to anxiety and stress as individuals feel pressured to constantly stay connected and engaged. Taking breaks from social media can help alleviate this pressure and allow for a healthier balance.
Social media platforms often feature graphic content related to violence, accidents, natural disasters, and other distressing events. Constant exposure to such content can have a negative impact on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and trauma. It is important to be mindful of the content you consume and take breaks from social media when needed to protect your mental well-being.
Excessive use of social media can reduce face-to-face interactions and lead to decreased empathy and social isolation. When individuals prioritise online interactions over real-life connections, it can impact their ability to empathise with others and deepen feelings of loneliness. It’s important to prioritise meaningful real-life connections to maintain social well-being.
Social media use can activate the brain’s reward system through likes, comments, and shares, leading to addictive behaviors. This can result in excessive use of social media, impacting productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. Setting boundaries and limiting screen time can help prevent addiction.
Social media often perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards, particularly for young girls and women. Constant exposure to images of “perfect” bodies can lead to negative body image and low self-esteem. It is important to practise self-love, focus on inner qualities, and seek positive influences that promote a healthy body image.
Social media has a profound impact on mental health, leading to a loss of personal boundaries and privacy, increased stress and anxiety from FOMO and constant connectivity, exposure to traumatic content, decreased empathy and social isolation, addiction, and negative body image and self-esteem.
These consequences can lead to decreased self-esteem, depression, anxiety disorders, and decreased emotional resilience. It is essential to recognise these risks and take steps to mitigate them, such as setting boundaries, practising self-care, and fostering meaningful connections.
By acknowledging the potential negative effects of social media on mental health, we can work towards creating a healthier online environment that promotes wellbeing and supports individuals in maintaining a positive self-image.
Maymunah Abdulwahab, Department of Library and Information Science, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
