The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health.

BY; ILIYA KAUNA, U18MM2052

As these  social media platforms assimilates into modern life, the effect of social Media on mental health has become a subject of rising concern which many people are being affected one way or the other. It has affected us both positively and negatively in as much as you are a user of a one or more platforms.

• SELF ESTEEM AND SOCIAL COMPARISON: Social Media frequently portrays a distorted view of reality which encourages social comparison and has a negative effect on self-esteem, particularly where users contrast their own lives exactly with others. This particularly mostly among the youth where the tends to compares their lives with that of social media. Also constant exposure on other people's activities and events can cause feelings of missing out, anxiety and a fear of not being included.

 • CYBERBULLYING AND ONLINE HARASSMENT: social media can develop into a breeding group for these behaviors, which can have a serious negative effect on a person's mental health.

• ADDICTION AND DISTRACTION: Excessive social media use  can cause addictive behaviors and divert people mind from obligation and relationship's in real life, which could affect concentration and productivity. Being addicted to social media can distract you from engaging in doing things that will better your life.

• SLEEP DISRUPTION: Use of social media before bed might interfere with sleep cycles, resulting in sleep deprivation and related mental health problems

• BODY IMAGES ISSUES: The focus on looks and beauty standards on  social media, particularly among youth users, can exacerbate body image  problems and eating disorders.

Social media can benefit mental health even though it presents some difficulties. The following are some ways that social media can improve mental health

• SOCIAL SUPPORT AND CONNECTION: By giving people the chance to interact  with friends, family, and support groups, social media platforms help people feel more apart of the community and less lonely. It allows people to connect together and also have fun. Social media has involved into a forum for educating the people about mental health challenges, fostering understanding, and lowering the stigma attached to asking for help.

• ACCESS TO RESOURCES AND INFORMATION: People are empowered to learn about mental health and self-care because  social media's simple access to mental health information, publication, and professional guidance.

• CRISIS INTERVENTION AND HOTLINES: Some social media platforms collaborated with mental health agencies to offer crisis intervention tools and hotlines for users who are in need.in this our generation crisis intervention is very important because of how people go through depression everyday.

• APP FOR MINDFULNESS AND WELLBEING: users can learn about app for mindfulness and wellbeing through social media which encourages rest, meditation and stress reduction. Social media enables users to follow inspirational people and role models who live can inspire  and promote personal development.

While social media can have beneficial effects on mental health it also calls for careful use which is vital to understand. A healthier connection with social media can be achieved by weighing the advantages against any potential drawbacks and taking pauses when needed. In addition, getting expert assistance while dealing with mental health issues is crucial for all encompassing support  and care.

Below is a Ted-talk on the effect of Social Media on our Mental Health. listen, and it will be worth your time..

Posted at; 3:51am