How social media is becoming a threat to young people's mental health

There's a widespread worry that social media use by youth is ruining their mental health. According to some reports, children using Facebook and Instagram have no privacy settings, which means they could be exposed to sexually explicit content and bullying. Social media has led to potential body image issues, eating disorders, and depression.

Many research findings show a correlation between the time spent on social media and higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it summarizes some of the symptoms associated with social media anxiety disorder:

• Checking social media during a conversation

• Excessive use of social media - More than six hours a day

• Inability to cut back on social media usage

• Lack of interest in school, work, or favorite activities

• Being nervous, anxious, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not able to check social media

Experts have warned that this could be because of the nature of social media, rather than it being used as a coping strategy. There are some cases where adolescents have been known to take their own lives due to social media bullying (cyberbullying) after posting depressive or suicidal thoughts online. Social media and mental health issues seem to have become a grave threat to the younger generation.

Tips and Resources to Heal Social Media Addiction

Digital Detox: Limit the Time Spent on Social Media

Perhaps the single most effective way for teens and adolescents to ensure their use of social media does not have a negative impact on their lives is by spending less time using the services. Several reports have shown that the students who restricted their social media use to 30 minutes a day reported less depression and loneliness after some weeks, and the kids with depression reported an increase in feeling good.

Be Aware of How Using Social Media Makes You Feel

We have seen a lot of kids being envious of others because of their instaworthy lives. It's natural for them to compare themselves with others on social media, but these comparisons can be harmful to their self-esteem.

When women stalk the social media page of someone they consider more attractive, it makes them feel worse about themselves. Their appearance seems to have flaws, and it makes them feel like they are not perfect.

The moment you feel envious of someone you do not even know on social media, simply remind yourself that social media makes people and things look better and more attractive than they are in real life.

Don't Believe Everything You See on Social Media

People tend to post only their perfect moments on social media, creating the illusion that they live a perfect life both professionally and personally. But the reality couldn't be further from the truth. Breaking out of the negativity trap and avoiding uncomplimentary comparisons can be achieved by taking a break from social media, and perhaps all online entertainment activity, for several days at a time instead of just a few hours, if possible.