Social Media

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media platforms serve as effective tools for maintaining connections with friends and family, sharing experiences, acquiring new information, and expressing creativity.

However, social media also presents significant challenges. Numerous individuals have encountered negative, hateful, or derogatory comments online. Such behaviour is frequently exhibited by so-called “keyboard warriors,” who remain anonymous and often derive satisfaction from causing discomfort or asserting their opinions.

- 87% of users have reported experiencing negative mental health effects due to social media use.

- 85% express dissatisfaction with their personal lives when compared to others online.

- 82% report negative self-perception regarding body image.

- 27% do not feel secure sharing their thoughts openly on these platforms.

Victims of social media abuse may experience cyberbullying, hacking, doxing, trolling, unsolicited attention or explicit imagery, misinformation, dangerous trends, and “catfishing.”

The consequences of such experiences include:

- Making comparisons, which may lead to increased anxiety and depression.

- Addiction; the dopamine released from receiving "likes" and "shares" is comparable to the rewards associated with gambling.

- Fear of missing out (FOMO); the compulsion to stay updated can heighten anxiety and contribute to social isolation.

- Low self-esteem and reduced self-confidence; exposure to altered or unrealistic images fosters negative self-image, potentially resulting in unhealthy behaviours and disorders, including bulimia and anorexia.

- Significant emotional distress; persistent exposure to cyberbullying, harassment, and abusive content negatively impacts mental health.

- Hypervigilance; "doomscrolling," or constant consumption of negative news, can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression, triggering prolonged states of high alertness.

- The use of electronic devices before bedtime can disrupt sleep quality and duration, increasing vulnerability to depressive symptoms.

STRATEGIES TO REDUCE VULNERABILITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE PLATFORMS:

· Block, unfollow, or mute accounts that elicit negative emotions. Select content that inspires, motivates, and positively influences your well-being.

· Engage in digital detoxes by abstaining from social media for at least 24 hours to help regulate the nervous system and reduce overwhelm.

· Limit usage by restricting sessions to 20–30 minutes and avoiding social media at least two hours before sleep.

· Disable notifications and refrain from frequently checking devices for updates.

· Substitute social media activity with hobbies, reading, or physical exercise.

· Reflect on your purpose for using social media. Consider whether your engagement is intentional and prioritise connections with friends, family, or positive communication.

If social media use significantly affects your mood, mental health, overall well-being, or daily functioning, professional support from a counsellor or therapist is recommended.