THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MENTAL HEALTH AND HOW TO CURB THEM

This month being mental health month, it is important we dive into mental health and how social media affects it. Both good and negative effects of social media use on mental health are significant. It's critical to understand that each person's experience will be unique and will rely on their usage habits, the content they consume, and their level of sensitivity. An overview of the negative effects of social media on mental health is provided below:

1. Similarity and Envy: Users' propensity to negatively compare themselves to others on social media is one of the biggest negative effects of the platform. The carefully selected and edited content frequently causes envy and feelings of inadequacy.

2. Online harassment and cyberbullying are prevalent on social media platforms and can have serious psychological repercussions for victims.

3. Constant exposure to other people's seemingly interesting lives can cause emotions of FOMO, anxiety, and a fear of being left out. FOMO is the fear of missing out (FOMO).4. Reduced Real-World Social Interaction: Spending too much time on social media can result in a reduction in real-world social contacts, which may cause feelings of social isolation and loneliness.5. Addiction and Distraction: Addiction to social media can be harmful to one's mental health. Overuse can result in procrastination, decreased productivity, and a lack of concentration.

6. Negative Body Image: The availability of manipulated and idealized photos on social media, particularly among young users, can exacerbate negative body image and low self-esteem.7. Information Overload: The constant barrage of information available on social networking platforms can be taxing and stressful, which contributes to information fatigue.To lessen social media's detrimental effects on mental health, it's crucial to use it mindfully and sparingly. Here are some pointers for improving your interaction with social media:

1.Limit Screen Time: Establish limits for how long you should spend online each day.2. Curate Your Feed: Mute or unfollow accounts that frequently make you feel bad.3. Take Breaks: Disconnect from social media occasionally to refresh and lessen stress.

4. Make Real-World Connections: To build enduring relationships, strike a balance between online and offline socialization.5. Be Mindful: Identify the ways that social media impacts your emotions and well-being, and take steps to lessen those effects.6.Utilize Technology Wisely: Take into account using tools and applications to track and control your screen time.

.7. Seek Professional Assistance: If social media is having a significant negative impact on your mental health, think about speaking with a mental health professional for advice and assistance.

In a nutshell social media offers a lot of advantages, but it can also be bad for mental health. While utilizing social media for its benefits, it's imperative to use caution and take precautions to safeguard your mental health.