Introduction :

Social networking is a technology that offers many amazing advantages. It enables communication and sharing, news and information gathering, and even meeting new individuals. However, there may also be drawbacks, particularly for young adults in college who are growing up surrounded by screens. 

The use of social media has been connected to loneliness, anxiety, and depression. others who use social media regularly may feel more melancholy and less satisfied with life than others who spend more time engaging in activities unrelated to screens.

Find out how using social media may harm your mental health and how you, or someone you know, can use it more responsibly. 

Nearly Compulsive 

Playing slots has an identical impact on the brain to social media applications and websites. The spontaneous outcomes provide a sensation of “reward” by releasing dopamine, the same chemical related to other enjoyable activities like sex and eating since you don’t know what material you’ll view until you access the app. 

Putting Interactions First 

Overemphasizing the interactions you receive—or don’t receive—on anything you post might lead to further problems. For example, you might feel let down or invalidated if you upload a photo on social media with the expectation of getting likes or comments and don’t get the response you’re looking for. 

When you contrast your posts with other people’s, you could also feel let down. Low self-esteem, being preoccupied with other things, and even depressive or anxious feelings might result from all of this. 

Filters are entertaining and also fake 

Filters also demonstrate how online platforms can have both beneficial and detrimental effects. Although funny filters are fun, the ease with which teeth can be whitened, body parts can be airbrushed, and flaws can be hidden can lead to misleading illusions. 

It could be difficult to live up to other people’s lives when you are always exposed to their picture-perfect highlight reels, even while you are aware that posts are carefully chosen and curated. Consider filters as a fun way to alter your appearance on the internet rather than as something you have to replicate. 

Sensations of Being Left Out 

Another reason why surfing over social networking sites is so alluring is the fear of missing out. You could be concerned about missing a tweet, an inside joke, or additional data that links you to your peers when you see people you know on social media. 

On the other hand, studying and homework may suffer from frequent checking and scrolling. Distractions can cause people to put off tasks, retain less knowledge, and become more stressed. When you read posts of other people having a wonderful time, you could also feel anxious, lonely, or excluded. 

Having access to the entire digital world might make it more difficult to communicate with people in person and form genuine social ties.

Whenever feasible, try to meet together with pals in person rather than conversing via a screen. 

How to Stop Adverse Social Media Practices 

Utilizing social media less frequently than usual can help reduce feelings of despair and loneliness. Although it’s doubtful that you or anyone you know would give up social media completely (there are benefits, after all), it’s crucial to be self-aware and identify these warning signs: 

• Experiencing heightened feelings of loneliness, despair, or distress 
• Use social media more often than time spent with friends and family 
• Evaluating oneself against others or experiencing constant jealousy 
• Being harassed or harassed online 
• Taking risks or posting absurd images in an attempt to get likes and comments 
• Observing that your relationships and academic performance are suffering 
• Lowering the importance of self-care (such as mindfulness, exercise, and sleep) 

Reduce your time spent on social media if you notice any of these red flags. This may be limiting the amount of time you spend on your phone using specific applications, establishing time limitations for your screen, or designating specific hours for checking your accounts. Some even discover that taking periodic breaks or a “detox” from social media allows them to concentrate on their relationships and mental well-being.

Other resources that you may use to set social media aside

• Arrange a little get-together. 
• Spend some time exercising outside. 
• Look for a volunteer opportunity and spend time with a close friend in person. 

Here’s a short real story of a woman who has a huge impact on social media :

Walking off a small pier for a long walk a woman traveler dove into the cold waters of Port Phillip Bay because she was so focused on checking Facebook. Luckily for her, onlookers saw and called the police right away.

This particular visitor was not only oblivious to her surroundings, but it also seemed that she was incapable of swimming. She was fortunate that Port Philip is often rather shallow since she ended up about 60 feet from the pier, where she was promptly rescued and transported to a nearby hospital.

What surprised everyone the most? Her phone was not lost. She held on tight to her priceless cell phone the entire time, even though she was unable to swim and the water was just slightly warmer than freezing.

Conclusion :

Make an appointment to speak with a staff member at the campus health center or your healthcare provider if you or somebody you know is struggling to break bad social media habits or if you still experience anxiety or despair. They can conduct an anxiety and depression screening and suggest the best course of action or therapy for you.