Social media has become an essential element of modern life, particularly among young people who use it for both amusement and communication. While it can offer beneficial experiences such as connecting with friends and being informed, excessive use has been related to detrimental mental health outcomes such as anxiety, despair, and stress. A study conducted in Saudi Arabia discovered a clear link between social media use and increased mental health problems, emphasizing how specific aspects of these platforms impair users' well-being.
A research of 385 young Saudis looked at how different social media elements, such as private chats, media sharing, likes, comments, and follows, affected their mental health. Using the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP), the study discovered that likes, comments, and follows had the greatest detrimental impact on mental health, with a total utility score of 56.24. These aspects contribute to a "comparison culture," in which people focus their self-worth on the online affirmation they receive. When expectations for contact are not satisfied, feelings of inadequacy and tension develop. In contrast, aspects such as games had a negligible influence on mental health, with a utility score of 2.56, indicating that social media's negative consequences are mostly driven by social validation and unpredictable feedback loops. It is noted that the uncertainty surrounding how many likes or comments a post will receive keeps users returning for the dopamine boost from social approval, much like the appeal of gambling.
While social media is intended to activate the brain's reward system, using it responsibly can help lessen its negative impacts. One method is to engage in a digital detox, taking regular breaks from social media to reduce anxiety and stop the cycle of constant comparison, allowing users to think and recharge. Developing good social media habits is also important, such as curating a feed that promotes positive material and interactions. Users can achieve a better balance by following accounts that inspire rather than induce doubt, as well as limiting their screen time. According to the Saudi survey, the top motivation for using social media is amusement, with privacy being the least essential element. This suggests that people are mostly drawn to platforms for entertainment and distraction, which might be harmless in moderation. However, when social media becomes the sole source of self-worth and validation, it can have negative consequences for one's mental health.
Finally, social media does not have to be negative; it is about how we use it. By being aware of the effects of likes, comments, and followers on our emotional state and taking steps to restrict our exposure to these elements, we can reap the benefits of digital connectivity while also maintaining our mental health. Social media should enrich our lives, not determine our self-worth, and striking this balance is critical for navigating the digital world in a healthy manner.
Work Cited:
Beyari, H. (2023, January 29). The relationship between social media and the increase in mental health problems. International journal of environmental research and public health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9915628/
Here’s how social media affects your mental health | mclean hospital. (n.d.). https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health
Comments