How Social Media Affects People’s Mental Health

Today we live surrounded by media and social networks that bombard us with information at all hours. In fact, the use of technological devices, such as portable phones, notebooks and tablets, to carry out both social and work activities has become very important.

Although this may represent progress compared to previous years, the truth is that excessive use of virtual platforms can affect people’s mental health. For this reason, it is important to inform yourself about this problem that crosses ages and borders. In this PsychologyFor, we will tell you How social media affects people’s mental health

Negative effects of social networks on mental health

How do social networks influence psychology? Social media can have unfavorable consequences for people’s lives because there is a tendency to spend a large part of their daily time on different social networks. Next, we will explain the main negative effects of social networks on mental health:

  • Low self-esteem: People pour an important part of their lives into social networks. If other users provide an opinion about someone’s image, this can trigger episodes of serious depression and/or anxiety. Furthermore, the virtual world can be confused with the real world.
  • Suicidal ideas: Other people’s opinions can have a detrimental effect on some people. Although this only happens in some specific cases, it is important to take into account the attitudes that a person expresses regarding the management of social networks. In this sense, we invite you to discover how it affects Internet advertising.
  • Sleep disturbances: Excessive use of social networks causes difficulties in falling asleep. Rest is affected given the high frequency of use of electronic devices.

In the presence of some of these negative effects of social media on mental health, it is essential to consult with a mental health professional who will evaluate the severity of the situation and provide appropriate treatment. If you want to know more, we recommend you consult this article on social media addiction: causes, consequences and solutions.

Positive effects of social networks on mental health

The influence of social networks on mental health can also be positive. In fact, these social media can generate emotions and thoughts that are very favorable for life in society. In the following items we will develop the most common positive effects of social networks on mental health:

  • Identity development: Different virtual platforms provide a place for personal expression that can be shared with other people. Furthermore, the sharing of ideas can lead to the formation of communities that share tastes and customs.
  • Formation of an emotional support network: In line with the previous point, social networks allow us to establish social ties with individuals from different parts of the world. In this way, an approach is produced that generates emotional support.
  • Construction of new social relationships: Whether in the workplace, student or social sphere, social networks are a link that keeps people connected. For this reason, one of the positive effects of social networks is that they allow you to expand your network of personal contacts. For example, in this article you will find advice on how to find a partner online.

How social media affects people's mental health - Positive effects of social media on mental health

Tips for using social networks in a healthy way

In general terms, the impact of social networks on mental health can be positive or negative depending on how each person handles it. With the purpose of generate greater awareness Next, we will give you some tips to use social networks in a healthy way:

  • Appropriate selection of information: It is better not to show everything that is done on social networks, since there may be other users who try to use the data in a malicious way. For this reason, it is pertinent to select and share information that you do not endanger.
  • Report suspicious information: Scams from anonymous users often occur on virtual platforms. Although many people fall into these traps, it is advisable that you report warnings and/or advertisements that are confusing to avoid further problems.
  • Restrict unknown contacts: jay people who create fake profiles to obtain information on the internet. If you see an unknown contact without a reliable source, it is advisable that you do not connect with them to protect your identity.
  • Create strong passwords: each user’s keys are personal and private. For this reason, you should not share them with other people. One way to prevent other people from having access to personal data is to have a password that contains numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and symbols, as it will be more secure.
  • Delete credit card data: If you buy an item through a social network, it is important that you do not save your credit card information, since it can be used illegally. So, it is better to delete this data to avoid cyber hacks.
  • Go to reliable sources: There are many internet pages that redirect those who use social networks to dangerous places. Due to this circumstance, it is necessary to go to reliable sources that are verified by digital platforms.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to How social media affects people’s mental health we recommend that you enter our Social Psychology category.

Bibliography

  • Barrón Colin, M., Mejía Alvarado, CA (2021). Social networks and mental health: digital experiences of Fesi Unam students. CuidArte Magazine, 10 (19), 1-14.
  • García Muñío, D. (2020). The influence of social networks on the mental health of young people and adolescents. Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Zaragoza.

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