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Title: The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

AUTHOR DETAILS:
Bojanapu Karthik Kumar
Student,22112365
Department of Computer Science Engineering,
Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science,
Chennai-603103, Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract:
Social media is a technology with a lot of wonderful benefits. It allows people to
share and connect, get news and information, and even meet new people. But
there can be a downside too, especially for college-aged young adults who have
grown up in a world of screens.
Social media use has been linked to depression, anxiety and loneliness. Recent
studies referenced by The Child Mind Institute and The National Center for
Health Research suggest people who frequently use social media feel more
depressed and less happy with life than those who spend more time on
nonscreenrelated activities.

Keywords: social media, mental health, systematic review, prisma

Introduction:
Social media can have both positive and negative effects on mental health.
Some studies suggest that prolonged use of social media can cause
depression, anxiety, and other negative mental health outcomes. For
example, a study of American teens found that those who used social
media for more than three hours a day were twice as likely to have
negative mental health outcomes. Other studies suggest that social media
can lead to low self-esteem, cyberbullying, and poor sleep quality.
Social media can also lead to other negative effects, including: Social
anxiety, Exposure to inappropriate content, Isolation, Distancing from family
relationships, and Pressure to compare oneself to others.
However, social media can also have positive effects, such as: Improving
connection, Increasing self-esteem, and Improving sense of belonging.

THE ROLE SOCIAL MEDIA PLAYS IN MENTAL


HEALTH
Human beings are social creatures. We need the companionship of others to
thrive in life, and the strength of our connections has a huge impact on our
mental health and happiness. Being socially connected to others can ease
stress, anxiety, and depression, boost self-worth, provide comfort and joy,
prevent loneliness, and even add years to your life. On the flip side, lacking
strong social connections can pose a serious risk to your mental and
emotional health.

In today’s world, many of us rely on social media platforms such as Facebook,


Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, and Instagram to find and connect with each
other. While each has its benefits, it’s important to remember that social media
can never be a replacement for real-world human connection. It requires in
person contact with others to trigger the hormones that alleviate stress and
make you feel happier, healthier, and more positive. Ironically for a technology
that’s designed to bring people closer together, spending too much time
engaging with social media can actually make you feel more lonely and
isolated—and exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety and
depression.

If you’re spending an excessive amount of time on social media and feelings


of sadness, dissatisfaction, frustration, or loneliness are impacting your life, it
may be time to re-examine your online habits and find a healthier balance.
The positive aspects of social media
Social media enables you to:

• Communicate and stay up to date with family and friends around the
world.
• Find new friends and communities; network with other people who share
similar interests or ambitions.
• Join or promote worthwhile causes; raise awareness on important
issues.
• Seek or offer emotional support during tough times.
• Find vital social connection if you live in a remote area, for example, or
have limited independence, social anxiety, or are part of a marginalized
group.
• Find an outlet for your creativity and self-expression.
• Discover (with care) sources of valuable information and learning.

The negative aspects of social media


Since it’s a relatively new technology, there’s little research to establish the
longterm consequences, good or bad, of social media use. However, multiple
studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an
increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal
thoughts.

Ways to minimize the negative impacts of social media


• Move social apps off your home screen
• Schedule specific times to check social media
• Limit yourself to 20-30 minutes at a time

• Put your phone on silent or use “do not disturb” features


• Take a break from social media
OTHER THINGS THAT CAN HELP YOU PUT SOCIAL MEDIA TO THE SIDE?

• Plan a small gathering


• Take time to get out and exercise
• Find a place to volunteer
• Spend some face-to-face time with a good friend

Review:
Some studies have found that heavy social media use can negatively
impact mental health, including depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicidal
thoughts. Other studies have found no significant relationship between social
media use and mental health outcomes.
Social media can have positive effects, such as improving connection,
selfesteem, and sense of belonging. However, excessive use can lead to:
• Stress
• Pressure to compare oneself to others
• Increased sadness
• Isolation
• Chronic sleep deprivation
• Decreased physical activity
• Poor work or school performance

Conclusion:
Social media can have both negative and positive effects on mental
health. Some studies have found that using social media for more than
three hours a day can increase the risk of negative mental health
outcomes, such as depression and anxiety. Other studies have found that
social media can lead to self-harm, loneliness, and loss of empathy.
However, some studies have also found that social media can benefit
some people, such as those who are socially isolated or marginalized.

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