Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and it’s hard to imagine a day without scrolling through our feeds.
While there are many benefits to using social media, recent studies suggest that it can also have a negative impact on mental health, particularly anxiety.
Recent research suggests that social media use may be contributing to higher rates of anxiety among users from increasing feelings of loneliness to sleep deprivation due to excessive screen time usage at night.
The Effects of Social Media on Anxiety
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
The first way that social media use can lead to anxiety is through the fear of missing out (FOMO).
FOMO is defined as “the uneasy and sometimes all-consuming feeling that you’re missing out – that your peers are doing, in the know about, or in possession of more or something better than you.”
Many people feel anxious when scrolling through their feeds because they worry that their peers may be doing something more exciting or interesting than they are at the moment.
- Comparison with Others’ Lives
Another way that social media can contribute to anxiety is through comparison with others’ lives.
People are more likely to compare themselves with the seemingly perfect lives they observe on their feeds, leading to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.
This type of social media use has been associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
- Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is another factor that can lead to anxiety, particularly among teenagers.
Cyberbullying typically involves sending or posting mean and hurtful comments or messages online in order to embarrass or humiliate someone else.
Being on the receiving end of cyberbullying can trigger feelings of shame, guilt, fear and isolation in the victim, which can contribute to higher levels of anxiety.
- Sleep Deprivation
Lastly, excessive social media use can lead to sleep deprivation, which in turn increases anxiety levels.
Studies have shown that people who use their phones before bed tend to experience more stress and anxiety due to a lack of sleep.
Not getting enough restful sleep can also make it harder for people to cope with stressful situations, leading to even higher levels of anxiety.
- Decreased Self Confidence
The longer someone spends on social media, the more their confidence and self-esteem are likely to decrease.
A fall in self-assurance happens because people tend to compare themselves with others and think they are not as good or attractive.
Low confidence can lead to anxiety due to fear of failure, social rejection, and an inability to cope with stress.
How to Reduce Anxiety Cause by Social Media
While social media use can lead to higher levels of anxiety, there are also ways to reduce this risk.
Below are some tips for reducing the impact of social media on your mental health.
- Limit your time spent online
Social media is everywhere and it’s hard to go a day without seeing it. But using social media can make people feel anxious, lonely, afraid of missing out, or like they don’t measure up compared to others.
It can also lead to cyberbullying and not getting enough sleep. To reduce the anxiety caused by social media, limit your time online.
Set a timer and stick to it, or consider using an app that allows you to limit your screen time.
- Take breaks from social media
It’s important to take regular breaks from social media in order to reduce anxiety caused by excessive use.
Taking a break gives you the chance to disconnect and recharge, allowing you to come back with fresh eyes and a more positive outlook.
- Unfollow and Mute Accounts
Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, but it can also lead to feelings of envy and inferiority.
If an account makes you feel inadequate or anxious, consider unfollowing or muting it so that it is less visible in your feed.
- Focus on yourself
Social media can be a great way to stay connected with others, but it can also lead to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy.
To reduce anxiety caused by social media, focus on yourself and your own goals and achievements instead of comparing yourself to others.
If you need help relaxing, consider using a tool like cannabis to mellow out. Find more information on proper dosing here.
Conclusion
Social media has become an important part of modern life, but it can also have a negative effect on mental health.
Always aim to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to reduce any anxiety that may be caused by excessive social media use.
With the right strategies in place, you can still enjoy using social media while minimizing its potential negative impacts.
By understanding the different ways that social media can contribute to anxiety, and taking steps to reduce its impact on your mental health, you can continue using it without feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
