Ever wondered how social media is shaping your brain and mental health? Most people spend a good part of their day scrolling through various social media platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook. This article sheds light on how social media affects mental health, lifestyle, and brain function positively and negatively. It also explores practical strategies and healthy habits that can help maintain a balanced relationship with them.

Social Media’s Role and Impact on Lifestyle

Social media plays a huge part in people’s lifestyles across the world. It helps people stay in touch with friends and family, catch up on news, and share life moments. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X allow users to express themselves, stay connected with the world, and create an online identity. Statistics show that over 5 billion people around the world make use of these platforms for various purposes daily.

While this has several positive implications, it’s worth noting that social media can become overwhelming when used excessively. These platforms are so attention-grabbing that they get most users hooked, sometimes scrolling intently for up to 3 hours — around the time it would take to drive from Philadelphia to New York or watch any of the Harry Potter movies [1]. Besides the profound effect spending this much time can have on the brain (which will be discussed later in this guide), social media can lead to isolation and a distorted perception of reality. Additionally, it can contribute to unhealthy behaviors such as sleep deprivation, unhealthy eating habits, and a sedentary lifestyle.

The effects of technology on the brain cut across all ages. For parents, understanding how social media affects children’s mental health is important. It’s worth noting that teens, especially girls, are susceptible to the negative effects of social media on the brain. Studies show that teen’s mental health, particularly girls’ mental health, can be negatively impacted due to unrealistic beauty standards and social pressures.

Can Social Media Affect Mental Health and Brain Function?

It’s true that social media can have a noticeable impact on both mental health and cognitive development. Research has shown that using social platforms excessively can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness [2].

Being constantly exposed to curated content, where people often only share their best moments, can make others feel like their own lives don’t measure up. This is especially true for teen’s mental health and even women’s mental health because of the unrealistic expectations often set by influencers or celebrities.

Research into the cognitive effects of social media has shown that it can impact brain function. It can make the brain accustomed to instant gratification, which, in turn, can lead to shorter attention spans. It could also make it difficult to focus on tasks for long periods. The impact of technology on attention and memory is real, with studies showing how social media habits can disrupt concentration [3].

Besides that, scrolling through social media just before bed can disturb sleep patterns, which is important for mental health. This is not to mention that long screen times can make it difficult for the brain to relax. If this persists for long durations, it can lead to stress and even burnout.

Signs Social Media Is Affecting Your Mental Health

Social media use can sometimes have negative effects on mental health. Here are a few signs that may indicate this [2]:

• feeling anxious or sad after using social media: Constantly comparing life to what others post online can lead to low self-esteem. If scrolling leads to negative feelings, it might be time to take a break;
• spending less time with loved ones: Choosing time online over real-life connections can be a sign that social media use is getting in the way of relationships. If social media is replacing face-to-face interactions with friends and family, it could be a red flag. Feeling the need to constantly check updates, even when out with others, might indicate that online life is becoming a priority. Also, if there’s a constant urge to check updates, especially if it’s driven by fear of missing out (FOMO), it may be a sign that it’s affecting your mental health;
• problems with sleep: Staying up late on social media can interfere with sleep, which is important for mental health. Also, poor sleep can lead to feelings of stress or anxiety. If one’s use of social media starts affecting your sleep, it might be time to cut back;
• unhealthy comparisons: Constantly comparing life to what others post online can lead to low self-esteem. If scrolling leaves you feeling envious, upset, or inadequate, it might be time to take a break;
• experiencing or worrying about cyberbullying: If you often feel anxious or have constant fear regarding what others post or might post about, social media might be taking a toll on your mental health;
• engaging in risky behavior for online validation: If you’re taking dangerous risks just to gain likes or shares, social media may have an unhealthy influence. Posting embarrassing material or using your phone in unsafe situations could be a warning sign.

It’s worth noting that social media can worsen symptoms of depression or anxiety. If time spent online leaves you feeling worse, it may be a sign that social media negatively affects you. If that’s the case, it may be a great idea to take a break from social media, at least once a week.

Advantages of Social Media

With all its drawbacks, it may seem as if social media is completely bad, but that isn’t the case. In fact, it offers several benefits – if used mindfully. Here are some of them [4]:

• staying connected: Social media helps people stay in touch with friends and family, even if they’re far away. This connectivity helps promote a sense of belonging and support. Keeping in touch with loved ones and sharing moments can enhance emotional well-being;
• educational resources: Social media platforms often share educational content and resources. From mental health tips to learning new skills, these resources can provide valuable information for those willing to learn and support personal growth. Engaging with educational content positively affects mental health, enabling users to become more knowledgeable;
• opportunities for self-expression: Platforms like Instagram and X offer places where people can express themselves and be creative. Sharing personal accomplishments, creative work, or hobbies can help boost confidence and make people feel good about themselves. Positive feedback from others can also help to improve self-esteem;
• access to support communities: For those dealing with specific challenges, such as mental health struggles or chronic illnesses, online communities are a great place to find help and support. These communities can provide valuable advice, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

Social media can be a powerful tool for personal growth, connection, and well-being if used right. It’s important to be mindful of the content you consume and limit your time on platforms that make you feel less of yourself.

Disadvantages of Social Media

Social media also has several disadvantages associated with its use. They include [4]:

• cyberbullying: One of the most harmful aspects of social media is the potential for cyberbullying. Negative comments, harassment, and online shaming can have devastating effects on self-esteem, well-being, and overall mental health;
• increased anxiety and depression: Social media showcases the highlights of people’s lives, often showing only the best moments. Scrolling through perfect vacations, achievements, or even filtered selfies can make someone feel like they don’t measure up. Over time, this comparison can lead to feelings of sadness or stress. Constantly comparing life to what others post online can lead to low self-esteem;
• misinformation: Social media platforms have made it easier than ever for information to be shared instantly, but not everything shared is true. Misinformation can spread rapidly, causing confusion, panic, or even harm. From false medical advice to political rumors, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. When misleading content takes over timelines, it can affect how people view important issues, leading to misunderstanding or distrust.

What’s more, social media can encourage antisocial behavior and isolation. It can sometimes encourage people to withdraw from real-world interactions. Instead of spending time with friends or family in person, some may prefer scrolling through feeds or chatting online. Over time, this shift from face-to-face communication to virtual connections can lead to a sense of isolation. This is not to mention that using these platforms excessively can make social skills weaker, which can, in turn, cause difficulties when engaging with people in real life.

Social Media Habits for Brain Health

There are various ways to make social media work for, not against, brain health. Some of them include [5]:

1. Long screen time: Spending too much time on social media can lead to feeling drained and anxious. To help reduce your screen time and keep things in balance, setting a daily limit can make a big difference. Many apps and phones have built-in features to track and control how much time is spent online. Use these apps to your advantage to help make sure social media doesn’t take over.
2. Curate your feed: The content that pops up on a feed can seriously affect your mood. If scrolling through certain accounts makes someone feel down or inadequate, it’s time to hit “unfollow” and find new accounts that bring positivity. Following accounts that share uplifting, educational, or inspiring content can make the social media experience much more enjoyable and less toxic.
3. Take regular breaks: Avoid getting sucked into endless scrolling; take regular breaks. Breaks can help clear your mind and reduce stress. Whether it’s a few hours off or a full day without social media, these breaks can make a big difference. They help keep things fresh and prevent social media from becoming overwhelming.
4. Avoid social media before bed: Scrolling before bed can mess with sleep because of the blue light from screens. To avoid this, it’s best to put down the phone an hour before hitting the hay. This simple change can lead to better sleep and a more rested mind.
5. Practice mindful usage: Instead of mindlessly scrolling, try using social media with a purpose. Connect with friends, share positive moments, or learn something new. Being intentional about using these platforms can help users avoid getting caught up in negativity and keep the experience enjoyable.
6. Use “smart drugs” to enhance mental focus and mental clarity: Excessive screen time can sometimes make one feel mentally drained and unable to focus. In such situations, “smart drugs,” like Modalert 200 mg or Artvigil, may be able to help. These medications are known to elevate mood, improve focus, and even boost memory, enabling users to regain their mental strength and be more productive. While these meds are relatively safe and highly effective, it’s worth noting that there are lots of counterfeit versions in circulation. It’s important to only buy Modalert 200 mg or any other “smart drug” from reputable and trustworthy online pharmacies with a proven track record of quality and customer satisfaction. 

Keeping social media use in check can do wonders for mental well-being. By making these easy adjustments, users can make social media a helpful tool rather than a source of anxiety, stress, and mental strain.

In Closing

In conclusion, social media has a huge impact on daily life, both positively and negatively. It can be a great tool to connect and share, but it’s important to stay mindful, as its effects can also be negative. To enjoy all the benefits of social media while minimizing its downsides, it’s important to be able to recognize when it begins to affect mood or daily activities. Whether it’s X, Facebook, or Instagram, using it mindfully and following the health habits outlined in this guide will help ensure it remains a tool for connection and learning, rather than a source of stress. 

References

1. What Social Media Does to Your Brain. By Majid Fotuhi. Retrieved: September 16, 2024. Neurogrow.com.
2. Social Media and Mental Health: Social Media Addiction. By Lawrence Robinson and Melinda Smith, M.A. Retrieved: September 16, 2024. Helpguide.org.
3. How Social Media Changes Your Brain (and What to Do About It). Written by Emma Loker. Fact-checked by Kaija Sander. Ph.D. Retrieved: September 16, 2024. Myndlift.com.
4. The Pros and Cons of Social Media on Mental Health. Retrieved: September 16, 2024. Mypsychiatrist.com.
5. 7 Healthy Habits for Social Media. By Sannyu McDonald Harris, Ph.D., LCMHCS. Retrieved: September 16, 2024. Conehealth.com.