Can excessive use of social media lead to depression?
According to a study published in the Lancet, people who spend a lot of time on social media tend to feel more depressed and lonely than those who don’t. Another study found that people who check Facebook late at night are more likely to feel depressed and unhappy. However, it is not clear whether social media use causes depression or whether people who are already depressed are more likely to use social media.
In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory calling attention to the effects of social media on youth mental health. He notes that at crucial periods of adolescent brain development, social media use is predictive of decreases in life satisfaction, as well as additional concerns around body image, sleep issues, and much more.
What are some ways to reduce social media use?
There are several ways to reduce social media use. Here are some tips:
- Track your usage: Use an app like RescueTime on your computer or the built-in “Screen Time” feature on your iPhone to learn what sites and social media you’re using the most. Once you have an idea of where most of your time is going on your devices, you can start to try different ways to stop visiting those sites and apps.
- Use an app to reduce your phone use: Choose an app that lets you block certain apps like Facebook and Instagram and limit yourself to just the internet features you need, such as your work email. For example, Offtime (for iOS and Android) lets you block distracting social media and other apps and choose from filtered modes like “work,” “family,” and “me time” to allow yourself access to certain things you need.
- Disable social media notifications on devices: Turn off notifications for specific apps in your settings, so you’re not constantly tempted to open apps and get sucked into a social media time vortex.
- Set a schedule: Decide on a regular time for checking social media (say, Fridays between 6 and 8 pm), and don’t log-in otherwise. You could also turn off data (or switch your phone to airplane mode).
- Delete social media apps from your smartphone: While you can still access them from your personal computer, keeping them off your phone may help decrease the amount of time spent on social media overall.
By the use of excessive social media can I got emotional hurt?
Yes, excessive use of social media can lead to emotional hurt. Studies have shown that frequent social media usage has been linked to depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. Social media use has also been linked to decreases in life satisfaction, as well as additional concerns around body image, sleep issues, and much more.
It is important to note that while social media can have negative effects on mental health, it can also be a source of support and connection for some individuals. Therefore, it is essential to use social media in moderation and prioritize real-world connections for better mental health.
