Social media has become part of our everyday day life. With the coronavirus pandemic, it has become the norm during the lockdown. It is hard to find someone who completely off social media.
If they are not on Facebook, they would be on Twitter or LinkedIn or Skype or Instagram. If there are not on any of them, at least they should be on Whatsapp. This is because social media is more than a phone app, it connects friends, families, strangers and even business partners/clients easily. Besides, human are built on information, communication and interaction.
Research shows that about 4 billion people across the globe are on one or more social media networks. This is about 50% of the total world population. Now that work is done is remotely, many people spend between 5 to 18 hours online. The notifications which keep popping up, may be a form of distraction.
While social media may be advantageous, it is detrimental to physical and mental health on the flip side. Here are 5 ways social media affects our mental health:
1. Sedentary lifestyle
Since most people spend most times with their phones and computers, they are stuck in one position, maybe their seats or bed. There is no need for movement. Long periods of inactivity makes people stiff and susceptible to physical pains and other health complications around the body .
2. Depression
There has been a link between social media and depression. This is because social media breeds competition and comparison. More so, periods of low quality interaction on social media networks can cause depression. The reverse is the case when there is high level of interactions. Cyber-bullying, hate comments and heated arguments also contribute to depression.
3.Addiction
Most of us are guilty of this. When we wake up, the first thing we reach for our phones to check social media notifications. It is even bad because it is also the last thing some people do before they fall asleep. This kind of addiction is bad for mental health. Would you be able to do without social media for a certain period to have some space and quietness?
4. Low esteem
On social media, nobody posts their failures or worst photos, it is always the good side and victories. This makes some people to develop low esteem when it appears they are not doing anything good with their life. They become envious, feel lonely or develop low esteem.
5. Sleep disorders
Most social media users are active at night. This interferes with their sleep patterns. The body follows a routine and system and if it is tampered with, it can result to health complications. Health experts recommend sleeping 7-9 hours daily. This is because a good night sleep keeps the brain refreshed, makes you healthy and sound.
Written by Patricia Uyeh