Social media can be a great platform to market your business or to connect with someone across the world. For instance, businesses that advertise their products and services on Instagram either incorporate growth strategies or organically gain more Instagram followers with SimplyGram to raise brand awareness quickly. Moreover, you can also easily search for someone you’re inspired by on social media and follow them.
However, on the other hand, social media can also have both positive and negative effects on one’s mental health. If you’re interested in knowing this, keep reading this article!
Positive Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
1. Helps Raise Awareness
Not long ago, talking about mental health was considered taboo. However, as social media launched, most influencers and public figures started raising mental health awareness.
Whether it’s about racism, mental health, or any other kind of discrimination, people actively use their social media platforms to speak the right thing and incorporate hashtags to help change the world for the better.
2. Combats Loneliness
Introverts find solace in social media as they can make plenty of friends all around the world and talk to them, so it can be an ideal platform to socialize and overcome the feelings of loneliness.
Moreover, families or friends who have been separated can easily communicate and keep themselves updated on what’s going on in their lives.
3. Availability of Online Counseling
You can find several pages or groups on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram that create a community of people who are struggling with a mental illness, so neither of them feels alone on this journey. They can also discuss their common problems and get effective tips without fearing judgment.
In addition to this, you can also connect with a counselor on social media platforms and have an online therapy session. Access to a therapist as simple as connecting your Wi-Fi has helped many individuals cope with mental health issues internationally.
Negative Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
1. Cyberbullying
People mask their identities online and pass several negative comments to others online without thinking of the consequences. Many social media users also try to bring someone down in their circle by creating a fake account and misusing it.
Social media has also made it easier for people to spread rumors against others and use foul language to degrade them as they post whatever they feel like while sitting behind their computer screens.
2. Feelings of Insecurity
When celebrities or influencers post their “flawless” pictures on social media, people feel inferior about their looks and appearance.
Rather than considering the fact that they have had several filters and editing done on their pictures, people think they are not pretty enough to be according to the beauty standards set by society.
3. Feelings of Anxiety
Although social media is a great platform to connect and socialize people all around the globe, it can also make you feel lonely and isolated.
As people tend to only post the “highs” of their lives, it can make you feel like you’re living the worst life ever or you’re not doing enough in your life, and this can trigger symptoms of anxiety.
If you want to avoid some of the negative health effects of social media, you can consider taking a break. There are so many health benefits of leaving social media for a while.
