Humans are highly social beings who rely on interactions with others to satisfy some of our most basic needs. People who have fulfilling relationships with family, friends, and community members are happier, have lower stress levels and fewer health problems, and live longer. While the internet and social media are relatively new, they have impacted our existence in ways most people would never have imagined, drawing praise and criticism. Proponents of social media point to how it makes us more connected, while critics point to the negative impacts on our mental health.
While there is not yet long-term research, preliminary studies indicate that social media and the internet impact mental health, including increased risk for anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation, and addictive behaviors. At Harmony Hills, we offer mental health treatment programs aimed at addressing these issues and helping individuals develop healthier relationships with technology.
The reality of social media addiction
Social media addiction is a growing concern, affecting people of all ages. It goes beyond just spending time online, involving a compulsive need to check notifications, scroll endlessly, or focus on likes and comments. Platforms are designed to trigger the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine with positive feedback or new content. Over time, this cycle creates dependency, making it harder to disconnect.
Social media addiction can show up in many ways, such as neglecting responsibilities, losing sleep, and reduced face-to-face interactions. Many people feel anxious or distressed when they can’t check their devices, a fear known as “nomophobia.” Constant connection to the digital world can also worsen feelings of inadequacy as users compare themselves to the often unrealistic content they see online.
What makes social media addiction particularly concerning is its subtlety. Unlike substance addictions, which may have more immediate and obvious effects, social media addiction often develops gradually and can be harder to recognize. However, the psychological and emotional consequences—such as increased stress, decreased self-esteem, and a decline in overall mental well-being—are significant and should not be underestimated.
Understanding how social media impacts mental health
There is no denying that social media has its benefits, including helping us maintain relationships with friends and family, expanding community connections, increasing social support, increasing access to resources, and breaking down geographical barriers.
However, the negative impacts of social media on mental health also cannot be denied. Some signs that social media may be interfering with your daily life and harming your mental health include:
- You are using social media to avoid negative emotions such as boredom or loneliness
- Your symptoms of loneliness, anxiety or depression are increasing
- You consistently compare yourself with others on social media in a negative light or feel increasingly jealous of others
- You are being trolled or cyberbullied or are doing do to others
- More time is spent on social media than in real-time with friends and family
- You are engaging in risky behaviors or posting shocking photos to gain likes
- You are not managing obligations to family, home, or work
- Your sleep is being disrupted by social media use
Social media causes many people to become self-absorbed and more focused on creating an online image than on their everyday life. The fear of missing out (FOMO) causes people to check social media and respond to every notification incessantly, even in dangerous situations like driving.
Managing the internet and mental health
The internet is a valuable and helpful tool for education, work, entertainment, social interaction, etc. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the internet has played an even more prominent role in our lives. Though many people are aware of the potentially harmful effects of the internet on mental health, they also feel reliant upon it in many ways. The good news is that there are numerous steps you can take to manage the adverse effects of the internet and social media use on your mental health.
If you are concerned about how your internet use is impacting your mental health, try following these tips:
- Turn off data connectivity while spending time with friends and family
- Turn off your phone at particular times, such as while at work, in meetings, or while driving
- Leave your device out of arm’s reach while sleeping
- Limit social media use to your computer instead of your smartphone
- Leave notifications on silent to avoid distractions
- Limit your social media use to a specific amount of time each day
Paying attention to when and why you turn to social media can help you identify and minimize unhealthy use patterns. You can also spend a few days identifying what content makes you angry or upset and what is uplifting or inspiring, and curate your content accordingly.
Contact Harmony Hills for comprehensive mental health support today
While there are countless benefits to the internet and social media, they also have potentially harmful impacts on mental health. If you are experiencing sadness, frustration, inadequacy, loneliness, isolation, stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions due to your time on social media, you need to reevaluate your internet use.
If you continue to experience these feelings after altering your use, a mental health treatment program can help identify the sources. Call 855.494.0357, connect with us online, or send us a chat to learn more about mental health treatment programs at Harmony Hills.
