The Dangers Of Social Media
We need to be more aware of how this technology can affect our mental health
“You will not miss out on anything on social media, but you will only miss out on real life”
Too much use of social media has been linked to:
- Loneliness
- Depression
When I go outside my room to take a glass of water, I always see my mom and other people inside our home, always checking their phones. They always use Facebook and it’s sidekick, Messenger.
Sometimes, I see them using these platforms for hours. Everyday. Non-stop.
The thing that concerns me the most about their usage is that, whenever I see their own posts on Facebook, it’s always about being sad, insecure, and having depression and thoughts of suicide.
I don’t know if they are just joking around or this is actually a cry for help, but it’s still negative energy and I find it a nuisance to see.
The fact that even my mom is using this and getting hooked from it, it’s insane.
Even I can’t sometimes control the urge to check my Facebook notifications and see if somebody has tagged me, liked me, commented to me, etc.
We have to do something about this. For our own mental health.
Why Social Media Affects Us Negatively
- Fake Lives
- We only see the highlights of people’s life. Then, we subconsciously compare our own life to that life. Remember, “Comparison is the thief of joy”.
- People would rather show the positive side, not the negative side. They would filter the bad, boring stuff in their life and show the good side. I understand why the average person on social media would do this. I would portray and make myself look good on social media, as well. But what about the consumer of your posts? Will they feel happy?
- Realize that most people, don’t have it all figured out. Most people live regular, boring lives, just like you and me.
2. Addictive
- These platforms are designed to be highly addictive and get you quick, cheap, and easy dopamine releases.
- It’s literally a place for unlimited entertainment.
There are probably MORE reasons why social media can affect us all negatively. But let’s see how we can use social media more healthy, so it won’t affect our happiness and productivity.
Tips To Use Social Media More Wisely
- Unfriend/Unfollow
- This can be quite tough to do. But it can help to clean up your news feed, so you will only see what is valuable to you, so you don’t have to waste mental energy consuming posts that you don’t care about whatsoever.
- Follow valuable, inspirational content.
2. Remove Apps/Notifications
- Try removing the social media apps on your phone, and if you really wanted to use social media, then you can jump over to your computer’s browser, instead. This adds another barrier to your desire to waste time on social media, so you don’t have to actually do it.
3. Be present with real life
- Fill your time with productive activities. No distractions.
Remember, having less time on social media, is a good idea. Too much of anything is bad. Most of the time.
How many hours do you use social media per day? How does it affect you? I would love to know!
Thank you so much for reading!
I would love it if you follow, comment, and clap!
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALS ❤️
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Read other awesome Stories:
