“When likes and comments become the reason for mental pressure” In today’s digital world, we all use social media a lot and it has become an important part of everyone’s life. Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, these platforms are not just a source but a virtual world where we all share every moment of our life. Have you ever thought about the effect of this virtual world on your mental health and can it have in the future. Let us know due to which effects your mental health can be affected, some effects are given below.
Comparison Trap (How perfect their life is)
On social media we often see the best versions of other people’s lives like vacation fancy food happy relationships. When we compare these with our own lives we feel insecurity and a low self-esteem develops. This constant comparison can cause anxiety and depression in all of us.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Fear of missing out which we also call FOMO. Let us know what FOMO is with some examples When you see photos of your friend’s parties or trips on any social media and you are not there, then a feeling comes in your mind that something is missing. This form creates emotional stress which can negatively affect your mind.
Dependency for validation
Like, comment, share, all these things become self’s priority. You do not even realize when you do not get the expected response on your post. Your mood goes down. Gradually people start judging you through others’ reactions. If the response is good, your feeling encourages you to do more work and if the response is negative, your mind takes it negatively which affects your mental health.
Sleep disturbance
Scrolling till late night has now become a normal habit. However, this has been seen a lot in the new generation. This not only disturbs the sleep but friends do not get any rest due to which there is no efficiency in whatever work you do. The mind always feels exhausted.
Screen addiction
Any person gets addicted to screen when he uses any technology more than the normal limit. Some examples of screen addictions are social media addiction, video game addiction, internet addiction and porn addiction. Blue light and constant notifications make the brain overactive. It creates physical and psychological problems which include eye stream, muscle strain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression and social isolation.
Cell phone/tablet/computer addiction
Smartphone tablet computer are huge productive tools which we use for work, school and relationships but if you spend too much time on these devices like using social media, playing games and interacting with real people through messaging apps, after then you cannot keep yourself away from these devices. Phone addiction creates “Nomophobia” (in which there is always fear in mind without phone).
Cyber bullying and negative comments
Let us know what is Cyberbullying When someone uses the internet to make a child or a young person feel bad and upset, he/she is called cyber bullying. In today’s world we find people with different mentalities everywhere and in the same way not everyone is of the same kind on social media. Nowadays the culture of trolls and bullying is growing rapidly. The direct impact of negative comments or online hates is on our mental health. Especially this culture can be very toxic for youngsters. Recently a mini web series “adolescence” has been released on Netflix in which it has been shown how dangerous the consequences of bullying someone on the internet can be.
What to do (take a break and see)
Do a Digital Detox: Spend some time every day without talking on the phone, this will help in keeping your mental health right and will also help in increasing the focus of your mind.
Make real life connections: Spend time with people close to you, this will make your mind stress free.
Practice mindfulness and selfcare: like meditation, journaling, walking etc.
Use social media as a tool: Use social media only when you need it, keep a goal in life and focus on it.
Conclusion
Social media is a powerful platform but if you do not use it wisely then it can be very harmful for your mental health. The best solution to this is to be a little conscious and try to maintain balance.
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