Mental Health: Part 2 In Social Media

By Shreya Chhibber

Social media is something we all use daily. We mindlessly scroll through Instagram and TikTok, telling ourselves it’s just for one more minute, even though we know we’ll continue for another hour. We often downplay the negative impact because we don’t fully grasp how severely it affects us. Constant exposure to idealized portrayals of others' lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression. Comparing ourselves to others only worsens these feelings. Social media can also be addictive, resulting in excessive screen time and reduced attention spans, which diminishes productivity and real-life interactions. Using social media, especially before bed, can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to sleep disturbances, affecting overall mental well-being. Constant updates and notifications can trigger FOMO, causing anxiety about missing out on events or experiences.

Despite being aware of these impacts, many choose to ignore them. We understand that cutting off social media entirely is not feasible in our world of constant connectivity and digital engagement. However, we should all agree to set limits on our social media usage. By picking up a book instead of our phones occasionally or setting time limits on social media use, we can take control of how much we engage with these platforms. For instance, we can designate areas of our homes as technology-free zones, replace social media scrolling time with hobbies and activities that don’t involve screens, and incorporate mindfulness and meditation practices to become more aware of our social media habits.

Additionally, we can use apps and tools to track and limit our usage, turn off non-essential notifications to reduce distractions and take regular digital detoxes to reset our habits. By taking these steps, we can mitigate the negative effects of social media and promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.