Is Social Media Harmful or Helpful to Your Mental Health?

Do you find yourself constantly scrolling through social media or falling down the rabbit hole of seeing post after post? Social media has become such a staple of modern-day culture that it's difficult for many, especially those of a younger age, to imagine a time before it existed. However, people must question the negative implications social media is having on mental health. Is it harmful or helpful? What's the influence of social media on a person's struggle with their mental health? Can social media be addicting? Today, we'll address questions such as these. 

West Coast Recovery Centers understand that improving mental health and achieving wellness is a holistic journey. Recovering from a mental health condition requires individuals to consider every factor contributing to their struggle. This may include social media use. Continue reading and visit our website to learn more and seek mental health treatment today. 

Let's Consider the Benefits of Social Media

Social media was created as a way to augment our reality. That may include connecting with others, sharing information, interacting online, and building community. Unfortunately, for many, social media replaces reality. Nevertheless, social media can still be beneficial for many individuals. 

Some of the potential benefits of social media include: 

• Staying connected with friends and family 
• Joining community groups and forums of like-minded individuals 
• Sharing thoughts, options, and content to express oneself creatively
• Staying updated on current events, news, trends, and other information 
• Networking opportunities in one's professional fields which can advance one's career
• Increasing access to learning and education tools, courses, and resources 

Despite these benefits, we can't ignore the potential harm and consequences that come with social media, especially excessive social media use. 

Why Social Media Might Be Harmful or Helpful Depending on Age

Of course, the harmful or helpful impact of social media varies depending on a person's age. For example, younger people may be more susceptible to negative social media influences. That includes body image issues, an increase in anxiety and depression, and early exposure to harmful content. Additionally, growing up with social media causes youth to experience negative self-esteem because of social comparison and increases potential exposure to cyberbullying.  

Adults may also be susceptible to some of these negative consequences of social media. However, adults may be more inclined to be more mindful of social media usage. Since their brains are fully developed, it's slightly less likely that they'll fall into social comparison issues or experience other problems with mental health. However, even adults are susceptible to reduced mental wellness if they don't monitor or balance their social media use. 

Social Media's Harmful or Helpful Effect on Addiction Treatment

Additionally, there's further risk associated with social media use for adults in recovery. On the one hand, social media can establish a recovery community and connect with other peers. However, social media can also be linked to trouble sleeping, depression, anxiety, and other issues. Furthermore, factors such as these can make managing recovery more challenging and contribute to an increased risk of relapse. 

How Too Much Social Media Can Be a Bad Thing

While research regarding social media's effect on mental health varies, one article from the Cureus Journal of Medical Science indicates that social media is “responsible for aggravating mental health problems.” As the article explains, "Human beings are social creatures that require the companionship of others to make progress in life.” Moreover, social connection reduces anxiety, stress, and sadness. 

Despite inconsistent research results, there's another component to consider: the impact of too much screen time. For example, among teens and adolescents, too much screen time can lead to depressive symptoms. There are also physical health concerns to consider. For instance, blue light emitted from screens can cause problems, such as dry eye or age-related macular degeneration. Blue light can also impact melatonin secretion and affect sleep quality by influencing adrenocortical hormone production. 

Is Social Media Harmful or Helpful on Your Mental Health?

So, is social media harmful or helpful to your mental health? Well, it depends on the person. Some people are meticulous about reducing and balancing their social media use. However, others are not. Some professionals are beginning to acknowledge social media addiction as a behavioral addiction, causing: 

• An uncontrollable urge to use social media
• Negative consequences due to social media use 
• Changes in mood when one can't use social media 
• Excessive time spent on social media and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop social media use 

Decide if Social Media Is Harmful or Helpful to You Today

You'll have to determine whether or not you have a problem with social media. Are you spending hours on social media sites or apps? Does social media use impact your ability to fulfill day-to-day responsibilities? Is social media use negatively influencing your mood and causing you to experience symptoms of mental health conditions? If so, it might be a problem. 

To learn more about the potential benefits and risks associated with social media, consider talking to a therapist, doctor, or peer. Additionally, for more information about our treatment programs, visit our website and consider working with West Coast Recovery Centers today.  

Social media is a tool designed to augment reality. However, for many, it replaces reality. Social media is used at alarmingly high rates, especially among young people. Unfortunately, this excessive use can cause some people to experience symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Additionally, it can lead to self-compassion, cyberbullying, issues with confidence, and even addictive habits. Nevertheless, there are some benefits of social media. However, people must find balance and regulate their social media use. That includes individuals in recovery from addiction or a mental health condition. For more information about our addiction and mental health treatment programs, call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 today.