As such, people find as many ways as possible to feel connected to our loved ones, creating tools to feel close to them even when we are geographically distant. Social media platforms are one of the ways we keep in touch. Usage of these kinds of digital spaces have skyrocketed during the last decade, and new platforms are being generated all the time. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube are some of the most widely used apps at present. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to the pandemic, many of us have spent more time at home, with social media helping us to stay connected during this time of extended isolation. However, the kind of limitless contact that social media platforms offer can have a negative impact on our mental and emotional health. Let\u2019s take a deeper look as to why this is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your brain on social media<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn a now-famous interview<\/a>, computer scientist and author of the book “Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now<\/em>” Jaron Lanier explained that social media has a significant and damaging influence on our lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMedical science supports Lanier\u2019s claims, with research demonstrating that social media can exacerbate underlying mental health issues. <\/a>But you don\u2019t have to suffer from a diagnosed mental illness to feel the more deleterious effects of the technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIn some cases, however, social media can be beneficial for our mental well-being. For those suffering from social anxiety, for example<\/a>, spaces such as online forums can offer a way to connect with others without feeling overwhelmed. These digital meeting places can also allow people to practice valuable social skills, and to feel less alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\nNevertheless, some experts have identified a pattern which has been dubbed \u2018social media anxiety\u2019<\/a>. Let\u2019s explore some of the symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSocial media can lead you to compare yourself to others<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Royal Society for Public Health study, #StatusofMind<\/a>, demonstrated that Instagram and Snapchat were the most damaging social media platforms with regard to youth mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy is this? Young people are drawn to upwardly compare themselves <\/a>to the unrealistic, and extensively curated highlights of people\u2019s lives appearing in their feed. However, while adolescent brains may be more inclined to suffer in this respect, people of any age can fall into the comparison trap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Business](\"https:\/\/www.euruni.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/43137558_1219329021555887_5266785573221171200_n.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSocial media can give you FOMO<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe fear of missing out, or FOMO<\/a>, can become a serious problem for many social media users. We relate what we see on screens to our own lives, which often evokes feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Someone else always seems to look more attractive or socially accomplished than us, and as a result, we feel that we’re missing out, or that our lives are dull by comparison. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSocial media can promote addictive behavior<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis is perhaps one of the most detrimental effects of social media. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The channels can be highly addictive <\/a>as they are designed to stimulate our dopamine reward system. In the same way that slot machines have cash prizes, social media offers social acceptance as a reward. The film, \u201cThe Social Dilemma\u201d, <\/a>explores the structure of social media platforms, and the reasons for the adverse impact on mental health. Anxiety and addiction are fostered on purpose, helping to drive the market<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.euruni.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/EU_BUSINESS_SCHOOL_MONTREUX_0089-1-1-scaled.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat can you do about it?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n- Assess how much time you\u2019re spending on social media, and how you feel about it afterwards <\/strong> <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can do this in various ways. For example, smartphones have in-built trackers that help you determine how many hours you spend on each app. Keep track of your usage, then assess if you feel better about yourself on the days where you use certain apps for less time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Consider taking a social media diet, or detox<\/strong> <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Taking a break can be highly beneficial for your mental and physical wellbeing. <\/a>Choose a set time each day in which you refrain from any kind of social media use. This will help you determine if you feel better or worse afterwards, and build a healthier, non-addictive relationship with the platforms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n- Try to become aware of your impulses to check your phone and social media notifications <\/strong> <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Have you ever noticed that sometimes you lose track of time while using social media? Or that you get easily distracted by notifications? This is by design, as social media is structured to leverage our attention. One was to reclaim your focus is by practising mindfulness<\/a>. Individuals with higher levels of mindfulness are not only happier, they also use social media less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n- If you want to keep using your accounts, curate your feed to include positive and uplifting content <\/strong> <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Social media can be an excellent tool for knowledge and personal development. By including inspiring or educational content, you can infuse your accounts with information that is pleasant or useful for you and avoid posts or forums that generate negativity and conflict. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, can we use social media without it causing us anxiety? <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Medical science supports Lanier\u2019s claims, with research demonstrating that social media can exacerbate underlying mental health issues. <\/a>But you don\u2019t have to suffer from a diagnosed mental illness to feel the more deleterious effects of the technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, however, social media can be beneficial for our mental well-being. For those suffering from social anxiety, for example<\/a>, spaces such as online forums can offer a way to connect with others without feeling overwhelmed. These digital meeting places can also allow people to practice valuable social skills, and to feel less alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, some experts have identified a pattern which has been dubbed \u2018social media anxiety\u2019<\/a>. Let\u2019s explore some of the symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Royal Society for Public Health study, #StatusofMind<\/a>, demonstrated that Instagram and Snapchat were the most damaging social media platforms with regard to youth mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why is this? Young people are drawn to upwardly compare themselves <\/a>to the unrealistic, and extensively curated highlights of people\u2019s lives appearing in their feed. However, while adolescent brains may be more inclined to suffer in this respect, people of any age can fall into the comparison trap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The fear of missing out, or FOMO<\/a>, can become a serious problem for many social media users. We relate what we see on screens to our own lives, which often evokes feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Someone else always seems to look more attractive or socially accomplished than us, and as a result, we feel that we’re missing out, or that our lives are dull by comparison. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is perhaps one of the most detrimental effects of social media. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The channels can be highly addictive <\/a>as they are designed to stimulate our dopamine reward system. In the same way that slot machines have cash prizes, social media offers social acceptance as a reward. The film, \u201cThe Social Dilemma\u201d, <\/a>explores the structure of social media platforms, and the reasons for the adverse impact on mental health. Anxiety and addiction are fostered on purpose, helping to drive the market<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can do this in various ways. For example, smartphones have in-built trackers that help you determine how many hours you spend on each app. Keep track of your usage, then assess if you feel better about yourself on the days where you use certain apps for less time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking a break can be highly beneficial for your mental and physical wellbeing. <\/a>Choose a set time each day in which you refrain from any kind of social media use. This will help you determine if you feel better or worse afterwards, and build a healthier, non-addictive relationship with the platforms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you ever noticed that sometimes you lose track of time while using social media? Or that you get easily distracted by notifications? This is by design, as social media is structured to leverage our attention. One was to reclaim your focus is by practising mindfulness<\/a>. Individuals with higher levels of mindfulness are not only happier, they also use social media less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Social media can be an excellent tool for knowledge and personal development. By including inspiring or educational content, you can infuse your accounts with information that is pleasant or useful for you and avoid posts or forums that generate negativity and conflict. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSocial media can lead you to compare yourself to others<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSocial media can give you FOMO<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Social media can promote addictive behavior<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat can you do about it?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So, can we use social media without it causing us anxiety? <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.euruni.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Define_750x125_3-1.gif\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"