The Influence of Online Platforms on Everyday Living
In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, influencing various aspects of our communication, interaction, and self-perception. While it offers numerous benefits, such as connecting with friends and family, accessing information, and discovering new ideas and opportunities, excessive use can have detrimental effects on our mental health, relationships, and personal development.
Social media can influence consumer behavior through advertising, product reviews, and influencer endorsements. However, it's essential to consume content accurately, reliably, and positively contributing to personal growth. Unfortunately, excessive social media use over the long term is associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, and low self-esteem, as well as negative impacts on sleep, concentration, and real-life relationships.
Studies and observations indicate that heavy social media users, especially adolescents and young adults, are more likely to experience heightened symptoms of depression and anxiety. Spending hours daily on social media can lead to mental fatigue, isolation from offline interactions, and even mental burnout due to constant exposure to large volumes of information and compulsive behaviors like perpetual scrolling and fear of missing out (FOMO).
Pressure to present a perfect image online contributes to lower self-esteem and worsened perceptions of personal life, particularly among teens. Algorithm-driven content and notifications foster compulsive checking habits that disrupt healthy routines and sleep quality. Excessive use often reduces time for physical activity, face-to-face socialization, and other enriching experiences, thereby affecting overall lifestyle and well-being.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. Social media can provide a platform for connecting with friends and family, accessing information and news, and discovering new ideas and opportunities. Educational content on platforms like YouTube is a valuable source for learning and skill development. Social media platforms like LinkedIn are utilized for professional networking and career development.
To mitigate the potential negative effects of social media, it's crucial to be aware of its impact on mental health and seek support if needed. Finding a balance with social media involves being aware of its potential impact on various aspects of our lives while harnessing its benefits in a mindful way. Tips for using social media in a healthy way include setting boundaries for screen time, being mindful of the content consumed, and cultivating a positive and supportive online community.
By being intentional about our social media usage, we can help mitigate its potential negative effects and maximize its potential for connection, learning, and personal growth. It's essential to remember that a positive feed that aligns with personal goals and values can help harness the potential of social media for personal development while mitigating its potential negative impact.
References:
- Twenge, J. M., et al. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcome attempts, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increases in new media screen activities. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3–19.
- Kross, E., Verduyn, P., Demiralp, E., Park, J., Lee, M., Lin, L., & Ybarra, O. (2013). Social media may undermine positive emotions, disclose emotions, and promote unrealistic expectations of others' emotions. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 4(6), 636–642.
- González-Bono, M. C., González-Cutre, M. T., & Gómez-Ortiz, D. (2013). Social media and psychological well-being: A systematic review of the literature. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 16(12), 738–743.
- Orben, A., & Przybylski, A. K. (2019). Adolescents’ use of social media predicts declines in well-being. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(37), 17967–17972.
- Wang, S. L., & Wang, Y. H. (2019). Social media use and adolescents' mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Adolescence, 74, 126–139.
