Introduction
Currently, social media platforms cannot be ignored as they have become the reality of the virtual world. According to the United Nations, these estimates project world population to be about 5. As it is stated there are more than 5.07 billion social media users worldwide [1]. This indicates that in excess of 50% of the global population is engaged one way, or another through the participation of the various forms of social media platforms [2].
Definition
Social media can be defined as interactive, computer mediated technologies that enable individual and collective generation and sharing of content, information, concern, passion, regardless of geographic locations and time [3]. These have revolutionized interpersonal communication where people are able to express themselves to their friends, families, and associates across the globe, as well as delve into a wealth of information at their fingertips [4].
Thesis Statement
Although it is impossible to question the usefulness of social media in the sphere of communication, there is no doubt that it affects mental health and therapy. This impact can be positive or negative depending on the stance taken by the government in dealing with foreign investors. On one hand, it can help people to stay connected, feel valued, and may lead to better quality of the feeling of belonging. On the other hand, it can cause stress which can in turn lead to pressure in order to compete with other people, and increased levels of sadness and exclusion [5]. That is why this article presents an intention to discuss the given impacts in detail: trying to reveal the connection between social media usage, mental health, and therapy.
In this paper, the author aims at providing an overview of social media usage by covering the following sections.
Overview of Social Media Usage
Statistics on Social Media Use
Global Usage Trends: Social media today is a very important aspect in the lives of people and organizations with a large presence from around the world. For example, 35% of British 15-year-old subjects spend six or more hours online daily, spending a lot of time on social networking sites [6].
Demographics of Users: Social media use is almost prevalent in all age brackets, but there is a particular trend of various categories in the usage of the social media platforms. Examining these factors makes it easier to understand the effect for deeper insight.
Popular Social Media Platforms
Facebook: Facebook is esteemed as one of the pioneers in the social media field; it remains one of the most popular social networks around the world. It is a means of communicating with friends and families, sharing content, and becoming a member of a group created based on interests.
Instagram: As of now being more of a discovery and photo and video sharing platform, Instagram became famous due to its aesthetic design. Overall, its usage has increased, mainly among the youths.
Twitter: Twitter is a micro blogging site where users can write up to 140 characters at a time and is generally known for an event known as “Tweeting”. It is a platform that involves awareness of news, trends, and discourse.
TikTok: Some of the most phenomenal videos that went viral in the recent past have been found in TikTok, especially with the youths affiliated to Gen Z; TikTok is fun, and innovative.
Patterns of Use
Frequency and Duration: Social media users, young and old, spend different durations online; it could be sometimes, every day, or even every hour. Studies have begun to seek evidence as to whether frequent use could be pathological or not.
Types of Interactions:
Passive Interaction: Swiping mindlessly through timelines, scrolling without engagement with interactions and distinct media.
Active Interaction: Participation, which includes posting comments and communicating with others.
Positive Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health
Social Support and Connectivity
Building and Maintaining Relationships: Social media provides one with an opportunity to communicate with friends, relatives, and even persons we probably do not know personally, though with whom we share common interests. It strengthens interpersonal relationships since it provides support, especially for people who may be feeling lonely.
Support Groups and Communities: Such social media platforms as forums, correspondingly, provide an environment for individuals experiencing specific problems, such as mental disorders or chronic diseases. These groups offer support, vouchers, and fellowship.
Access to Information and Resources
Mental Health Education and Awareness: Social media platforms disseminate information about mental health, reducing stigma and promoting understanding. Users can access articles, videos, and expert advice.
Platforms for Sharing Experiences and Advice: Of course, people discuss their experiences, ways how they protect themselves, and testifies about themselves. It is a big advantage to receive support from peers.
Opportunities for Creative Expression
Art, Writing, and Creative Sharing: Using the foregoing Nanjing college students can be allowed to showcase their creativity on social media platforms. Whether it is writing poetry, sharing A4 paintings, or writing songs, you find people being expressive.
Positive Feedback and Encouragement: Likes, comments, and shares affirm creative productions, and their significance in enhancing self-image and other individuals’ motivation cannot be overstated.
Unfortunately, it should be noted that, despite all the advantages of receiving information through social media, moderation must be observed. Use of these gadgets in an improper manner is usually harming at a certain level; it causes anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. When it comes to the currently trending social networks, which in fact dominate our daily lives, let’s remain attentive to both the quantity and quality.
Mitigating Negative Effects
Strategies for Healthy Social Media Use
Setting Time Limits and Boundaries: Identify specific time segments that will be dedicated to posting on social networking platforms. The reason is that such apps eventually allow people to utilize alarms or blocks of time instead of scrolling through the feedless.
Curating a Positive Feed
Unfollow Negative Accounts: Deleting posts that cause negative feelings or a sense of failure can significantly alter users’ affective experience.
Follow Inspirational and Uplifting Pages: Share posts that inspire, make you feel good and are all about the best and only you.
Education and Awareness
Teaching Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking:
To ensure that young users do not easily fall prey to fake information, educate them on how to find the right information only.
Promote discussion and critical thinking in terms of content, sources’ credibility, and evaluating one’s own preferences.
Promoting Mental Health Awareness Campaigns:
Disseminate general mental health information, helpline numbers and any awareness programmes that are being carried out.
Talk more about mental health so that we can stop focusing on the negative aspect and reduce the general stigma.
Role of Parents and Educators
Monitoring and Guiding Youth Use:
Many parents today should be concerned with what their children are doing in cyberspace.
Explain the rules of interaction on social networks for your child’s age and teach him safe Internet usage.
Encouraging Offline Activities and Interactions:
Even though screen time is must, it is not advisable to spend all day in front of the screen; one must divide the day’s time in between watching screens, doing activities, having hobbies, and actual face-to-face interactions.
All human beings have to build genuine relationships to become healthy, wealthy, wise and powerful.
Always bear in mind that social media, when used intentionally, is an invaluable tool that has the potential to improve our lives and alleviate some of our struggles, but at the same time, it is crucial to never forget the importance of our mental health .
Conclusion
Recap of Key Points
Positive Impacts:
Social media maintains relationships, offers a supportive environment and channel for creativity.
It raises awareness of mental health by helping users to learn more about it and helping them to communicate it to others.
Negative Impacts:
Anxiety, depression and cyberbullying have become familiar words that can no longer be looked down on as mere child’s play.
Concerning the consequences of eating disorders, the following can be listed: addiction, sleep disorders, and issues with body image.
Balanced Use and Awareness:
This implies that it is essential to be careful when using social media platforms.
Other positive recommendations can include: educating yourself and others about proper online conduct and behavior.
Final Thoughts
Evolving Relationship: Social media has been synonymous with society, and as such, its relation to mental health is ever-changing. For the reasons mentioned above and many others it is evident that the researchers, policymakers and, in general, the users must adapt.
Call to Action: When using social media, think critically. If you never got assistance from a professional, then the time is right to check it if you want your project to become successful. Find better ways of improving body positivity than depend on likes and comments from social media.
It is worth understanding that you are not the only one who is participating in this digital process. Remember to take care of yourself, know what’s going on in the world, and don’t forget to be kind to yourself!
References
(1) Social media – Statistics & Facts | Statista. https://www.statista.com/topics/1164/social-networks/.
(2) Social Media Usage & Growth Statistics – Backlinko. https://backlinko.com/social-media-users.
(3) Social media – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media.
(4) Social media | Definition, History, Examples, & Facts. https://www.britannica.com/topic/social-media.
(5) Pros & cons: impacts of social media on mental health. https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-023-01243-x.
(6) How much is ‘too much time’ on social media? – BBC. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180118-how-much-is-too-much-time-on-social-media.
