Social Media Impacts Your Mental Health. Here’s How

According to Pew Research Center, “72% of Americans use social media,” and so do “97% of teens between 13-17 years old.”

With the overwhelming majority of people using social media, it’s important to examine the impact it may have on mental health and emotional well-being.

While sharing videos and photos helps people develop and maintain meaningful connections, science tells us that the way these photos are altered and curated produces an unrealistic beauty standard which may contribute to low self-esteem.

Developing unrealistic expectations

The anonymity of the internet can be a breeding ground for internet trolls and cyberbullies. While many people use social media to create a positive and healthy space for others, some use it to attack people and gain an emotional advantage.

Falling victim to cyberbullying

Spreading of misinformation

With less time to vet sources and more priority placed on entertainment and shock value, it can be hard to know what information is accurate and factual. For this reason, news in the form of social media content may cause problems for users.

Disconnecting with the physical world

Most of us can agree that dating apps, meetup sites, online profiles, and vlogs help people find community and connections. However, when overused–or when used to avoid contact with others–social media can actually cause isolation and loneliness.

Knowing the impact that social media can have on mental health is important. Fueled with information, people can make a conscious effort to support positivity online as well as responsible social media use.

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