It’s Toxic, Let’s Change That

Social media and mental health, it’s synonymous with imbalance. The research is official in and you should know that the influence on mental health has become a significant concern in today’s digital age. Implementing a remedy should be a major priority.

As people spend more time online, understanding how platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter impact mental well-being is crucial. This article explores the common issues associated with social media use and offers practical solutions to help maintain a healthy balance

After almost 25 years of study, it’s been determined that social media is actually bad for mental health rather than bringing people together as it was intended originally.

Ever found yourself scrolling through social media, only to realize an hour has flown by?

Yeah, me too.

And somehow, instead of feeling entertained, you end up feeling… well, kinda crummy? If this sounds familiar, we’re all in the same boat, sailing across an endless sea not going anywhere productive rather, swimming in negative feelings of doubt, and confusion.

This was me before I gave up social media. Most people make social media a big part of their life and just because I gave it up doesn’t mean it’s going anywhere.

Welcome to the digital age, where our screens are both our best friends and our worst enemies.

In today’s blog post, we’re diving headfirst into the fascinating, sometimes tumultuous relationship between social media and mental health.

We’re going to explore why those Instagram filters and TikTok trends can mess with our heads, identify the sneaky ways social media can influence our well-being, and—most importantly—find some remedies to keep our sanity intact.

Whether you’re a social media butterfly or someone who just peeks in occasionally, this post is for you.

Let’s figure out how to enjoy the perks of our digital lives without letting them take a toll on our mental health. Ready? Let’s scroll on!

The Rise of Social Media and its Impact on Mental Health

Social media: the digital playground where selfies reign supreme and hashtags hold the power of kingdoms!

Sadly, teens are falling prey to a whole host of problems including suicide. The stats are astounding!

The Connection Between Social Media and Mental Health: What Studies Show

Honestly, who among us hasn’t fallen down the rabbit hole of endless scrolling, only to look up and realize that an hour has vanished into the ether?

Remember the days when “liking” something meant you actually had to talk to someone?

Ah, the good old times!

Now, a simple double-tap can make or break your day—because nothing says “self-worth” like a little heart icon on a screen, right?

It’s incredible how our gadgets have turned into tiny stress factories, churning out anxiety with every notification.

Social media’s influence on mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical issue. As more individuals engage with these platforms, the impact on their mental well-being becomes more apparent.

Let’s talk about FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, for a second. This phenomenon has skyrocketed thanks to social media.

I mean, who knew that seeing friends at a party you weren’t invited to could feel like a punch to the gut? Or that vacation photos from someone you barely know could make you reconsider your life choices?

The perpetual highlight reel that is social media makes it easy to forget that people usually post their best moments, not their average Tuesday nights. It’s like living in a never-ending episode of “Keeping Up with the Joneses,” where the Joneses are always on vacation or having the time of their lives.

And then there’s doomscrolling, the act of endlessly scrolling through bad news, which has become a modern-day pastime for many.

This habit is like picking at a scab; you know it’s bad for you, but you just can’t stop.

It’s a strange mix of morbid curiosity and a need to stay informed, but it often leaves us feeling more anxious and helpless than before.

Who knew that a simple “unfollow” could feel like a mini-breakup? Yet, despite all these drawbacks, we keep coming back for more, like moths to a flame. It’s a complicated relationship, to say the least, but one that defines much of our modern existence.

The Long List of Common Issues Related to Social Media Use and Mental Health

Oh, the dreaded Comparison Trap! Sometimes, it feels like I can’t scroll through my feed without running into someone’s perfectly curated life.

From Instagram influencers flaunting their exotic vacations to friends posting about their latest promotions, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring my reality against these highlight reels.

It’s as if my life is suddenly reduced to a series of mundane events while everyone else is living in a dream. I mean, even my cat’s Instagram seems to be doing better than mine!

The constant comparison has in the past made me feel totally and utterly inadequate, and before I knew it, I’d find myself stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and envy.

Why did I do this to myself?!

Then there’s the infamous FOMO Frenzy. Fear of missing out has my clients glued to their phone, scrolling endlessly at ungodly hours.

Whether it’s an epic party I wasn’t invited to or a viral meme that everyone but me seems to be in on, I can’t help but feel like I’m always one step behind. It’s like I’m perpetually chasing after an elusive sense of belonging.

And let’s be honest, those late-night scroll sessions often leave me feeling more isolated and exhausted than ever. Instead of enjoying my own life, I’m busy wishing I were living someone else’s.

And let’s not forget the Validation Vacuum. Social media has turned likes, shares, and comments into a currency of self-worth.

Common Mental Health Issues Linked to Social Media Usage

Understanding social media’s influence on mental health involves examining how constant connectivity and exposure to curated content affect self-esteem and anxiety levels.

Every post becomes a performance, every like a small dopamine hit. But relying on these digital affirmations can turn my self-esteem into a rollercoaster ride.

When a post flops, it’s hard not to take it personally. Suddenly, I’m questioning my value based on the number of virtual thumbs-ups I receive. It’s exhausting and, quite frankly, a bit ridiculous.

Add to that the Cyberbullying Blitz, where trolls and online drama can invade my peace of mind like uninvited guests at a virtual party, and it’s no wonder my client’s mental health takes a hit.

Throw in those Endless Notifications, and my phone might as well be a needy toddler demanding constant attention. It’s a lot to juggle, and sometimes, I just want to log off and breathe.

Time Management Challenges in the Age of Social Media

My client’s report that social media is a total “time-suck”. Ever felt this way You’re not alone; social media can be a real-time thief! Seriously, I can’t even count the number of times I’ve promised myself, “Just five more minutes,” only to find the sun peeking through my window hours later.

It’s like stepping into a time warp where everything else ceases to exist, and suddenly, you’re knee-deep in a thread about conspiracy theories involving lizard people.

And let’s not even talk about the guilt that washes over you when you realize that instead of sleeping or being productive, you’ve been watching endless loops of cats knocking things over.

Juggling posts, likes, and comments? It’s like a digital circus, but with fewer clowns and more distractions. I mean, who knew that keeping up with social media could feel like a full-time job?

There’s the never-ending cycle of notifications pinging away, each one demanding your immediate attention.

And God forbid you miss a post from your favorite influencer or a trending meme – it’s like social media FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) at its finest. It’s easy to get sucked into the whirlwind of digital validation, where every like feels like a tiny hit of dopamine. But all that validation comes at a cost – your time and focus.

“Just one more video” – famous last words before you realize you’ve spent hours in the TikTok vortex. Procrastination station: social media’s the ultimate way to avoid that project due tomorrow.

I can’t even count the number of times I’ve used social media as an escape hatch from real-life responsibilities. It’s that perfect mix of entertainment and avoidance, wrapped up in a shiny, addictive package. 

Studies have shown that social media’s influence on mental health can be both positive and negative, depending on how these platforms are used.

From #FOMO to #NoSleep, balancing online engagement and real-life responsibilities is the new tightrope walk. Trying to stay relevant online while keeping up with work, relationships, and self-care? It’s enough to make anyone feel like they’re walking a tightrope, constantly teetering on the edge of a digital abyss.

The problem is, I just found myself losing time, being unfocused, then upset with myself because I didn’t have self control.

How Social Media Promotes Unrealistic Standards

Ever notice how everyone’s life looks like a blockbuster movie on social media? Spoiler alert: it’s just the highlights!

Welcome to the world of Highlight Reel Syndrome, where everyone’s life appears to be a never-ending series of epic adventures and picture-perfect moments, so many of my client’s struggle with this syndrome.

It’s like scrolling through an endless stream of award-winning movie trailers, but guess what? It’s all meticulously curated. We don’t see the mundane or the messy; we only get the best bits, sometimes even enhanced with a sprinkle of cinematic magic.

Behind every envy-inducing post, there’s often a mountain of unglamorous reality we never get to see. I call it the Facebook smile. The other side to this is when people air their dirty laundry on social media for all to see, no one wants to see that. 

So, next time you’re feeling down about your own life in comparison, remember, you’re not watching the full movie—only the highlights.

Then there’s the Filter Frenzy.

Ohhhh, the filters with long eyelashes or the botox filters.

Ah, those flawless selfies that make you question your own reflection. Thank the filters, not genetics! In the age of digital wizardry, everyone’s a little bit of a magician online. Those poreless, glowing faces and chiseled jawlines?

They’re often the product of apps that can zap away imperfections faster than you can say “cheese.” It’s as if we’re all living in our own personal fairytales, complete with digital makeovers.

But this chase for perfection can be exhausting, not to mention misleading. Filters blur the lines between reality and fantasy, making it hard to remember that nobody actually looks that flawless in real life.

And let’s not forget the Like-Driven Lifestyle. Chasing likes and hearts like it’s an Olympic sport. Gold medal in anxiety, anyone? The rush of dopamine we get from social media validation can be intoxicating.

We post, we wait, and then we refresh incessantly, hoping for that surge in notifications. It’s a vicious cycle that can turn our self-worth into a numbers game.

The pressure to maintain this “perfect life illusion”—because nothing says “I’ve got it all together” like a staged candid shot at sunrise—can be overwhelming. 

It’s a relentless Comparison Carousel: round and round we go, comparing our behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel.

Feeling dizzy yet?

Social media’s influence on mental health often manifests through feelings of inadequacy, as users compare their lives to the seemingly perfect lives displayed by others.

The Psychological Effects of Excessive Information

Feeling like your brain just ran a marathon? That’s information overload for you! Imagine trying to juggle cats while riding a unicycle – that’s your mind on too much social media. Every ping, every swipe, every scroll is like adding another cat to the chaos.

I find myself trapped in a whirlwind of memes, news updates, and random posts that my brain can barely keep up with. It’s like my mental bandwidth has been hijacked by an endless stream of digital clutter, leaving me frazzled and unable to focus on any single task.

My mind is constantly running, trying to process an avalanche of information that comes at me from all directions. It’s exhausting, and sometimes I just want to throw my phone into the ocean and walk away.

The truth is, I felt like I had so many choices that I couldn’t make a choice!

Ever scrolled through your feed and felt like you just read the entire internet?

Yep, that’s a thing. 

Picture this: I’m lounging on my sofa, phone in hand, and an hour later, I snap out of a trance. I’ve consumed so much content that my brain feels like it’s stuffed to the brim.

It’s like sitting down to a buffet and trying to eat every single dish – eventually, it doesn’t matter how tasty it is, you’re just overwhelmed.

My thoughts become a jumbled mess of funny cat videos, political rants, and random life updates from people I barely know. It’s like my brain is having a food coma from consuming too much information, leaving me mentally bloated and sluggish.

No wonder we can’t use our brains to achieve more success, who could focus with a life like this?!

Too many updates, not enough brain space – it’s like stuffing 10 clowns into a tiny car! Each notification is another clown squeezing into the already cramped quarters of my mind. And let’s be real, who can function properly with a circus going on in their head?

I find myself losing track of important tasks, forgetting appointments, and struggling to concentrate. The constant influx of information makes it hard to prioritize, and I end up feeling scattered and unproductive.

Practical Remedies for Mitigating Social Media’s Effects on Mental Health

My brain craves a moment of quiet, a break from the relentless onslaught of digital noise, but in this hyper-connected world, those moments are becoming increasingly rare.

To mitigate social media’s influence on mental health, it’s essential to be mindful of usage patterns and set boundaries that promote a healthier relationship with these platforms.

How Social Media Affects Attention Span

Ever find yourself scrolling endlessly? I know I do. Social media can turn our attention spans into goldfish territory! It’s like I’m constantly on the hunt for the next shiny thing. The endless feeds and stories are designed to keep me hooked, and before I know it, an hour has passed, and I can’t even remember what I started looking for in the first place.

Notifications are like popcorn for the brain—crunchy and impossible to ignore, but not exactly a balanced diet for focus. Every ding and buzz pulls me away from whatever I was doing, making it nearly impossible to concentrate on any single task.

Think you’re multitasking? Think again! Social media has me ping-ponging between tasks, leaving me scattered and frazzled. One moment I’m writing an email, the next I’m checking Instagram, and then I’m back to my inbox.

It’s a never-ending cycle of distraction that makes it hard to get anything done efficiently. The dopamine rush from likes and shares? 

It’s like giving a squirrel an espresso shot—hyperactive but not necessarily productive. I chase that fleeting high, but it leaves me more scattered than focused, constantly seeking validation in the form of virtual thumbs up.

Our brains are turning into meme machines, constantly craving quick hits of entertainment instead of deep focus. I’ve noticed that I’m more inclined to watch a 15-second TikTok than read a long-form article.

The constant barrage of bite-sized content is rewiring my brain to expect instant gratification, making it harder to engage in activities that require sustained attention.

When you make this sort of habit normal, your brain is wired in such a way that your attention span is shortened.

The pervasive nature of social media’s influence on mental health means that both individuals and society need to take proactive steps to address the associated risks.

Many people are unaware of just how strong social media’s influence on mental health can be, particularly among younger users who are more susceptible to online pressures.

Social Media and Mental Health: The Science Behind Shortened Attention Spans

Imagine your brain as a goldfish—yes, social media’s constant feed is making our attention spans that short! Seriously, it’s not just a funny comparison.

Ever tried to sit down with a good book, only to find yourself checking Instagram every five minutes? You’re not alone. I do it too, and I bet most people reading this have experienced the same thing.

It’s almost as if our brains have been rewired to crave that instant hit of dopamine that comes with every new like, comment, or notification. Studies show that the barrage of quick content is training our brains to crave instant gratification, and it’s affecting our ability to focus on longer tasks.

Let’s talk about TikTok, Reels, and Stories for a moment—they’re like the candy of the internet, and our minds can’t get enough. I’ve caught myself scrolling through TikTok for what I thought was a couple of minutes, only to realize an hour had passed.

It’s the bite-sized, easily digestible content that hooks us. Each swipe or tap is like popping a piece of candy into our mouths. Our brains love it because it’s effortless and immediately rewarding. But here’s the kicker: just like too much candy can rot your teeth, too much of this digital candy can rot our attention spans.

It’s a vicious cycle where the more we consume, the more we crave, and the less we can focus on substantial, meaningful activities.

The ping of a new notification is basically our brain’s version of a squirrel spotting a shiny acorn. I can’t count how many times I’ve been deep in thought or working on something important, only to be completely derailed by the sound of a new message or alert.

It’s like my brain does a little happy dance every time it hears that ping, and suddenly, whatever I was doing seems less interesting. This constant interruption not only disrupts our focus but also makes it harder to get back into the groove once we’ve been distracted. It’s a wonder we get anything done at all!

Reducing social media’s influence on mental health requires not only awareness but also the adoption of strategies that prioritize mental well-being over online engagement.

How FOMO Drives Social Media Engagement

Ever felt like the only one not at the party? That’s FOMO, making you scroll endlessly! FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, is the sneaky culprit behind those late-night social media binges. I can’t count how many times I’ve found myself lying in bed, eyes glued to my phone, unable to resist the urge to keep scrolling.

It’s like I’m on a never-ending quest to catch up with everyone else’s fabulous lives. I see my friends partying in Ibiza, another getting engaged, and someone else landing their dream job. And there I am, in my pajamas, living vicariously through their highlight reels.

There’s a TON of research on how to keep you addicted to social media.  

It’s almost like social media knows exactly how to keep me hooked, showing me just enough to make me feel like I’m always one step behind.

Seeing friends’ highlight reels? Cue the FOMO and the urge to double-tap! It’s like a reflex at this point. I see a perfectly curated photo of someone’s avocado toast, and suddenly I’m convinced my breakfast game is severely lacking.

My feed is a parade of #blessed moments, chic outfits, and exotic vacations, making my mundane Tuesday afternoon feel even more dreary. I can’t help but think, “Why isn’t my life this exciting?”

Each double-tap is a tiny acknowledgment that I’m tuned in, that I’m part of the loop. And let’s be honest, when I see my notifications light up with likes and comments, it gives me a small thrill, like I’m not just a spectator but also a participant in this grand social media spectacle.

It’s like social media’s secret weapon: making us fear we’re missing out, so we don’t miss a beat. Seriously, even my cat’s Instagram seems more exciting than my life sometimes! I’ve caught myself getting jealous of a pet who gets more likes than I do.

This constant comparison game isn’t healthy, but it’s so hard to break free from it. The FOMO keeps me perpetually engaged, ensuring I’m always checking in, always scrolling, always liking. It’s a cycle that feeds itself, making me a willing participant in the never-ending social media hustle. And so, the dance continues, with FOMO leading me by the hand, making sure I’m always on my toes, never wanting to miss a single moment.

The Effect of Social Media on Real-Life Relationships

When it comes to social media, it’s like living in a digital soap opera. Every minor misunderstanding can escalate into a full-blown drama, and I’ve been there.

One moment, you’re sharing memes with your best friend, and the next, you’re caught in a whirlwind of misconstrued messages and passive-aggressive posts. It’s like being a character in a never-ending episode of ‘Digital Drama.’

Friendships that once revolved around heartfelt conversations and genuine connections suddenly feel like they’re scripted for maximum emotional turmoil. I mean, who knew that a missed tag on a Facebook post could lead to such an epic saga?

Then there’s the green-eyed monster that social media seems to love unleashing. Scrolling through an endless feed of highlight reels, I can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy, even towards my besties. They’re out there living their best lives, posting glamorous photos and exciting updates, while I’m sitting at home in my pajamas, binge-watching Netflix. ‘Jealousy Junction’ is a real place, and I’ve visited it more times than I’d like to admit.

It’s crazy how a simple scroll can make you question your own life choices and accomplishments, even when you know, deep down, that social media is just a curated gallery of everyone’s best moments.

And who could forget the eerie sensation of being ghosted? ‘Ghost Town’ is where I reside when I see those dreaded ‘seen’ messages with no reply. It’s like being haunted by the absence of a response, more unsettling than any actual ghost.

You start overthinking, wondering if you said something wrong, or if they’ve just lost interest. It’s a digital nightmare that leaves you feeling more isolated than ever.

And let’s not even get started on the quest for ‘like-ability.’ Chasing those digital thumbs-ups can sometimes mean we forget the importance of real-life hugs and high-fives. We get so caught up in the virtual validation that we neglect the genuine connections right in front of us.

It’s a wild ride, navigating the maze of social media and real-life relationships, with all its twists and turns.

Social Media and Mental Health: Strengthening Personal Relationships in a Digital Age

Strengthening personal relationships in a digital age is like navigating a maze filled with both pitfalls and hidden treasures.

One of the simplest yet most effective tools at our disposal is the emoji. 

Seriously, who knew that a tiny, yellow cartoon face could carry so much weight? A well-timed emoji can bridge the gap between “LOL” and genuine connection.

When I send a virtual hug or a heart-eyed smiley, it’s like sending a piece of my emotions through the ether. Just the other day, I sent a crying-laughing face to a friend after a hilarious mishap, and it felt like we shared that belly laugh in person.

Emojis, in their colorful simplicity, have an uncanny way of making digital conversations feel more human.

But let’s not stop at emojis. Video chats have revolutionized how I connect with friends, making texts feel almost archaic. There’s something irreplaceable about seeing my friend’s face light up when they talk about their latest obsession, or laughing together at the chaos of their messy room in the background. Video chats over texts?

Absolutely worth it. The other night, I had a virtual dinner date with a friend, and it felt like we were at the same table, despite being miles apart. It’s these face-to-face interactions, even through a screen, that remind me friendships thrive on more than just words—they need expressions, gestures, and sometimes, a shared glass of wine.

And then there’s the magic of digital double dates. Virtual game nights and Netflix parties have added a spark to my social life that I didn’t realize I was missing.

No need for a babysitter or even to leave the house—I can connect with friends, share a laugh, and enjoy a movie together without the logistical nightmare of coordinating everyone’s schedules. The other night, I found myself in a heated battle of online trivia, and the camaraderie was palpable, even through my laptop screen.

Sharing memes has also become a love language of its own. Sending a perfectly timed meme can say “I’m thinking of you” in a way that’s both hilarious and heartwarming. It’s these little digital gestures that keep my friendships vibrant and full of life.

Balancing Social Media Use: Tips for a Healthier Digital Life

Conclusion:

The research is in… yeah, social media hasn’t turned out to be the best for our mental health. You can stay in touch with old friends, grow a business, and even make new friends but you can also lose hours of your life, feel lost or depressed, and even unsure about who you are or what you want to do with your life. 

Social media just like anything else is what you decide  you want it to be. You can intentionally spend your time and program your mind in the most optimal way by deciding how much time you spend and specifically what you want to achieve. 

Social media can be a tool or a hindrance. You decide but really it through before you lose yourself and end up judging yourself harshly. 

As the conversation around social media’s influence on mental health continues to evolve, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest research and recommendations for safe social media use.

Here’s to a future of confidence and success!

Cheers!

Sharon Lee

Online life coach and certified business coach