Scrolling endlessly for hours, being imprisoned by our phones, believing a certain gold standard, and drawing continual comparisons, only to have one’s imperfections magnified by their own imaginations of the “standard.” Such experiences have become extremely familiar to individuals across the world, and it is entirely due to the access and populairty of social media. Today, social media has become an acclaimed addiction, triggering the intrinsic reward system of the brain to create negative impacts on our mental health.
The development of anxiety and depression is one of the most significant negative impacts of social media. Multiple studies have shown that excess social media consumption can potentially lead to a range of emotions such as social isolation, FOMO (fear of missing out), and low self-esteem; all of which can contribute to the development of anxiety and depression. Additionally, using social media might promote an increase in negative body image since users are exposed to unrealistic beauty standards and filtered photos that may alter their perception of themselves and of the world around them.
Another effect of social media use on mental health is the development of addiction. Social media platforms’ continual availability and stimulation can lead to compulsive usage and a reliance on likes, comments, and other types of social validation. This may create a vicious cycle of seeking validation through social media use, leading to increased feelings of anxiety and depression when validation is not received.
Ultimately, social media distances individuals from real-life relationships and in-person bonding, forcing each person to seek approval from the verdicts of their followers. Moreover, this phenomenon of social media suggests a reality underlying cultural transitions as standards are ephemeral and vulnerable to society’s beliefs.
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