Social media has become an essential part of our everyday lives. We use it to connect with others, gain knowledge, pursue hobbies, and even do business. However, when checking social media starts to affect your personal life, relationships, academics, and/or profession, it is time to ask the question. Can social media addiction affect our mental health?
A psychiatrist in Siliguri can confirm that social media itself is not inherently bad. But when it starts to dominate one's life, it can adversely affect one's well-being. Furthermore, research indicates that the impact of excessive social media use can be different for different people.
Let's examine various aspects of this issue in detail.
What is social media addiction?
The phrase social media addiction usually refers to compulsive use of social media. People who are addicted to social media find it challenging to stop scrolling, swiping, posting, commenting, and liking.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, extreme internet usage is characterized by obsessive and extreme online surfing that adversely affects one's life in multiple ways. It mentions that extreme social media usage is one of the compulsive internet activities.
How can excessive social media use affect our mental health?
Social media can immensely improve the quality of life for many people. However, in some cases, it can determine to ones wellbeing, Here are a few ways in which excessive social media use can affect mental health :
1. Worry and comparison
Social media is a great platform for people to share their achievements and successes. Although it isgood to appreciate others' successes on social media, constantly comparing oneself to others can lead to unhealthy emotions.
For some people, it can cause greater anxiety and low self-esteem. The article Social Media and the Internet by the American Psychological Association agrees that social media provides people with an opportunity to connect with others. However, it also states that on such platforms, people are highly susceptible to comparison, cyberbullying, and other issues that can affect their well-being.
2. Depression
Excessive social media use can be associated with depression. The problem with such activities is that excessive social media use displaces healthy real-life interactions, leading to isolation or inadequate physical activity. For instance, it has been discovered that when people spend too much time online, they do not get enough physical activity or sleep. These factors could contribute to depressive feelings; what is more, teenagers are especially susceptible to issues that stem from excessive social media use.
According to the US Surgeon General. Across the population, higher levels of social media use are observed among young people with poor mental outcomes. Youth who spend more than 3 hours per day on social media are more than twice as likely to experience poor mental health outcomes than those who spend less time on these platforms.
3. Sleep problems :
One of the most common effects of excessive social media use is insomnia.
People spend long hours on social media, and as a result, they do not get sufficient rest. In addition, smartphone use has become the norm, and smartphones keep people connected all the time.
Notably, smartphone users receive push notifications, which makes it challenging to stay asleep when they receive them in the middle of the night. Sleep deprivation can adversely affectone'ssocial life, academics, and career.
4. Low self-esteem
Social media can significantly impact self-esteem. Individuals who care about what others think about them often base their self-worth on the number of likes, comments, shares, and followers that they receive after uploading a picture or video. On the other hand, those who post pictures of their achievements often feel defeated if they do not gain the approval of their peers.
In addition, people who use social media to follow others' achievements or beautiful bodies often compare themselves with others and develop unhealthy habits such as being dissatisfied with their bodies. These issues could be a sign of social media addiction.
5. Lack of focus
Social media can be very distracting. For example, students who are supposed to read a chapter of a textbook for an hour can be distracted by Instagram and end up spending the whole hour on the application. Similarly, individuals who are supposed to be working can find it challenging to ignore work-related notifications. As a result, they may become unproductive and dissatisfied with their life.
6. Alienation from society :
Having hundreds of friends online is not the same as having close friends in real life. In fact, too much time on social media will leave you with little time to spend with real people. Consequently, instead of hanging out with friends or family, you would rather sit at home and scroll on your favourite social media platform. Such people become withdrawn and eventually lonely.
According to the World Health Organization, the use of digital platforms can be rewarding and enabling; however, it is also associated with risks, including unsafe use, sedentary lifestyle, social isolation, and other mental health concerns.
Alarming signs that someone's social media use is a problem :
Although everyone's mental health is different, the following are some of the most common signs that one's social media use might be a problem :
● Constantly checking social media
● Being unable to stop scrolling
● Feeling anxious when unable to access a social media platform
● Staying up late at night to use social media
● Neglecting responsibilities such as schoolwork, housework, and sleep
● Losing interest in once enjoyable activities
● Constantly comparing oneself with others
● Feeling anxious about the number of likes, followers, comments, shares, and engagement that a post receives.
● Using social media to deal with personal issues
● Continuing to use social media excessively, although it has had a negative effect on one's life.
The key takeaway here is that it is not the number of hours but what one spends on social media that determines whether their social media use is normal or abnormal. Instead, it is about whether or not it adversely affects their health and life.
When Should One Consult a Psychiatrist Regarding Social Media Addiction?
Although talking to a psychiatrist about social media addiction may seem unusual, it is not uncommon. In many cases, people come to realize that social media has overtaken their lives. They may also recognize the adverse effects it is having on their mental well-being. However, they may not know what to do about it.
The good news is that a psychiatrist is always ready to listen, regardless of the circumstances one is going through. Talking to a professional can help identify the underlying causes of excessive social media use and understand whether it is linked to other emotional or mental health concerns.
Moreover, a psychiatrist can help develop healthier habits that improve mental well-being while gradually limiting social media use. If necessary, treatment may also be recommended for an underlying mental health concern such as depression or anxiety. For people who need structured support to regain control over their daily routines and behaviours, psychiatric rehabilitation in Siliguri may also be considered as part of an appropriate treatment approach.
Some major signs that a person may have a problem with social media include feeling anxious when they cannot access it, being unable to stop scrolling, neglecting responsibilities, and sleeping for insufficient hours because they lose track of time while using social media.
Final Thoughts
Social media is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it can become harmful when its use becomes difficult to control. Excessive social media use can affect sleep duration and quality, concentration, self-esteem, relationships, and a person's sense of connection with society.
If online behaviour is becoming difficult to control or is affecting everyday life, seeking professional guidance can be an important step. Consulting the best psychiatrist in Siliguri can help individuals understand the factors contributing to problematic social media use and explore suitable ways to manage them. If you are looking for a psychiatrist in Siliguri, Shanti Mindcare can help assess the underlying concerns and suggest an appropriate approach based on the individual's needs.
FAQS :
1. How do you know if my social media use has become a problem?
Warning signs include being unable to control your usage, constantly checking notifications, staying up late scrolling, neglecting responsibilities, losing interest in offline activities, or feeling distressed when you cannot access social media.
2. Can excessive social media use cause anxiety?
Excessive use may contribute to anxiety in some people, particularly when it involves constant comparison, fear of missing out, online criticism, or pressure to receive likes and comments. However, anxiety can have many different causes.
3. Can social media addiction affect sleep?
Yes, late-night scrolling, notifications, and prolonged screen use can interfere with healthy sleep routines. Poor sleep can subsequently affect mood, concentration, and daytime functioning.
4. When should you consult a psychiatrist?
Consider consulting a psychiatrist if you use social media excessively, causing persistent anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, significant concentration difficulties, withdrawal from normal activities, or problems with work, studies, or relationships.
5. Can social media addiction be treated?
Yes. A mental health professional can assess the person's symptoms and identify whether another underlying concern is contributing to excessive use. Depending on the individual's needs, treatment may include psychotherapy, behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes, and, when clinically appropriate, medication.