Accessing social media is fun. However, if not accompanied by good self-control, there are effects of social media that can burden you without you knowing it.
Almost every day social media users upload their best photos, statuses, and videos. This activity becomes so fun because of the "reward" system from other people in the form of like nor comments. In fact, there are people who can lie about their lives on social media.
The Impact of Social Media on One's Mental Health
People in the age range of 18-25 years usually use social media to get the latest information about things that are going viral, make new friends, or just to strengthen friendships. Unfortunately, some of them are trapped in low self-esteem after using social media.
This is evidenced by research which states that about 88% of people will compare their lives with other people's lives that appear on social media. This can make them feel inferior and think negatively about themselves.
This way of thinking is also known to increase a person's risk of experiencing duck syndrome or unhealthy thought patterns, such as toxic positivity.
Another study also showed that teens who frequently access social media more than 2 hours per day are more at risk of experiencing psychological disorders, ranging from anxiety disorders to depression.
Why This Social Media Impact Can Happen?
If only based on social media, other people's lives can indeed look so fun. Now, people who see it may forget that other people of course also have problems in life, just like him.
He only sees what other people have but not him. This can make him feel less grateful, inferior, or jealous of other people's lives.
In addition, the reward system that exists on social media can make a person judge himself based on a lot or not like and comments which he got.
Eventually, he will try hard, even to the point of addiction, to attract the attention of others in order to increase his appreciation of himself. This risks making him feel insecure and negative if he doesn't get the amount like a lot.
The opening of social media also allows other people to freely comment. Negative comments from other people can certainly hurt feelings and make someone feel they are not worth it.
Using Social Media Wisely
Spending too long time looking at other people's lives on social media is the same as filling your brain with less important information. In fact, if used properly and wisely, social media can be an effective means to create positive things in the real world.
There are several guidelines that you can do to avoid the negative impacts of social media, including:
- Try to stay away from social media and technology every now and then. Instead, go with friends or family without a gadget, so you can spend quality time with the people closest to you.
- Think carefully about the effects that will come before you upload your outpouring to social media.
- Think about your goals and plans in your life, such as the goals you want to achieve at school, college, or at work, then use social media as a means to achieve your goals.
- Determine the content, when, and how you will use social media to achieve your goals. Always ask yourself, whether what you upload will help you achieve that goal or not.
- Avoid responding to all negative comments or reactions about you or other people or anything else on social media, so you can maintain a positive mind.
- Avoid the habit of looking for bad news on social media (doomscrolling).
- Every now and then, do a social media detox and focus on the people around you, such as your partner, family, or friends.
The impact of social media can keep a person from living a quality and happy life. Therefore, try to apply the methods above so that social media can be something that is not only entertaining, but also useful for you.
If you feel you have problems with using social media or maybe your friends and family often complain that you use social media too much, don't hesitate to consult a psychologist, okay?
