We all have been on social media at one point in our lives. Social Media can affect many things such as our mental health, relationships, and our culture. Social media has pros and cons. It can impact our lives in negative ways but sometimes influence our lives in positive ways.
Psychological research shows that the relationship between social media and mental health is mixed. Social media is one piece of a more complex mental health puzzle. Some find social media to be isolating and depressing, while others find immense joy in scrolling. People have even reported that they felt supported through social media when having S/I thoughts. The connection between social media is complex because studies have found that higher social media use is linked to depression, and that people who are already depressed are more prone to spend more time on social media.
Social media can also feel addictive. People who spend hours scrolling on TikTok or Instagram can most likely agree with this statement. Researchers are now skeptical that social media can be addictive in the same way as a drug. It is not classified as an actual addiction or DSM, but there is a chance that a person can spend a significant unhealthy amount on social media.
Social media can also affect body image, especially in women and young girls. Many of the content posted on social media are altered to make the person look more attractive and show a body that is unattainable. Constantly comparing oneself to these images can do serious harm to one's body image.
