The Body Keeps Count (Part 2): How Excessive Social Media Use Affects Your Mental Health

Social media addiction can be described as a behavioural addiction that causes one to be obsessed with social media. The urge is often uncontrollable. Addiction to social media has become common since the last decade. There’s a saying that goes: “A dog is man’s best friend.” However, I’d argue that the smart phone is now man’s best friend. Its portability has allowed for it’s safe mobility. We have it on us at all times, making it a curse.

The rise of social media applications accompanied the rise of smartphone users. Research has shown a correlation between social media addiction and mental degradation. This article will look at some harmful mental effects of social media.

1. Lack of focus

Social media addiction will rob you of your focus. Jumping from one app to the other will do a number on you. Users have reported an inability to focus on one thing at a time. We have people watching a video while simultaneously scrolling through the comment section of same video. All these, when compounded, affect your overall focus.

2. Damage to self-esteem

In the olden days, some 20-30 years ago, you’d have to know a person intimately to know some personal details about their lives. People did not go around screaming out their achievements to random strangers. But now, with a click, you can become acquainted with a person you once had no idea existed. It is also a well-known fact that social media is a lie. People only show the rosiest parts of their lives. So, when we get bombarded with all the good things happening to other people, we can start to feel like lesser human beings.

3. Stress and emotional imbalances

Users sometimes turn to social media in their lowest points. Only to be met with more disappointment. If you are stressed and run to social media, your stress will only be heightened. Your feelings of dissatisfaction and isolation will only increase.

Read also: The Body Keeps Count (Part 1): Why You Need to Sleep Early

4. Interpersonal relationships

We are now more connected than we’ve ever been. Alas, we’ve also never been more isolated. People are giving less time to physically spend time with their loved ones. It doesn’t take much effort to text someone. On the flip side, it has become quite tasking to set up a meet up.

5. Time wasting

Hardly any one ever feels fulfilled after hours of scrolling endlessly online. Keeping up with strangers has no benefit whatsoever.

In 2020, Netflix released its documentary on the dangers of social media titled The Social Dilemma. Some research insists social media addiction is very much like drug addiction.

When people engage on social media, a feel-good chemical called dopamine is released in their brain. It triggers the reward area in the brain and this is what keeps users going back. Although it is not an easy task to completely go off the grid, however there are practical steps to follow to achieve this.