Does social media making us empty from inside, lonely and unsociable?

November 7, 2021 nowbuzzing1920

While many of us love using social media to keep connected, excessive use can lead to anxiety, melancholy, loneliness, and FOMO. According to research, using social media to strengthen existing relationships or form new meaningful connections is the most effective way to combat loneliness. When utilised as a substitute for real-life social connection, however, it is unproductive.

It’s a similar to asking if eating makes you fat if you question if social media makes you lonely and unhappy. Yes, without a doubt, but not always, not in everyone, and not indefinitely.

In moderation, social media usage is acceptable. Excessive use of social media, like any diet that heavily favours items with little nutritional content, can be harmful to your health.

Here’s how to modify your habits and improve your mood

The role social media plays in mental health

Humans are sociable creatures by nature. To prosper in life, we require the company of others, and the strength of our bonds has a significant impact on our mental health and happiness. Being socially linked to people can help you cope with stress, worry, and depression, increase your self-esteem, bring comfort and joy, prevent loneliness, and even add years to your life. On the other hand, a lack of strong social relationships can put your mental and emotional health at risk.

Many of us use social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, and Instagram to locate and communicate with one another in today’s society. While each has its own set of advantages, it’s vital to realise that social media will never be a substitute for genuine human interaction. In order to trigger the hormones that relieve stress and make you feel happier, healthier, and more optimistic, you must interact with individuals in person. Spending too much time on social media, ironically for a technology supposed to bring people closer together, can instead make you feel more lonely and isolated—and exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

If you’re spending too much time on social media and are experiencing feelings of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, frustration, or loneliness, it’s time to re-evaluate your online habits and establish a better balance.

1. How Social Media Affects loneliness?

Researchers discovered that those who go online the most frequently–50 or more visits per week–have three times the odds of feeling socially isolated as those who go online less than nine times per week. The social media-loneliness problem affects more than just young individuals.

2. How does social media create isolation?

However, by substituting social media use for face-to-face social contacts or by exposing them to unrealistic or misleading images of others’ lives, social media usage can contribute to feelings of social isolation.

3. Is technology making us lonely?

Because we are more reliant on social media connections than real-life contacts, technology makes us feel more alone. According to Helpguide, not only does spending too much time on social media promote loneliness, but it also causes unfavourable personality traits.

The positive aspects of social media

While virtual interaction on social media does not have the same psychological benefits as face-to-face contact, it can nevertheless help you stay connected and improve your wellbeing in a variety of ways.

Social media enables you to:

Stay in touch and informed with family and friends all across the world.
Make new acquaintances and join new communities; connect with those who have similar interests or goals.
Participate in or promote worthy causes, and raise awareness about vital concerns.
During difficult circumstances, seek or offer emotional assistance.
If you live in a remote area, have limited independence, social anxiety, or are a member of a marginalised group, find a critical social connection.
Find a way to express yourself and your creativity.
Find (with caution) sources of useful information and education.

The negative aspects of social media

Because social media is such a new technology, little research has been done to determine the long-term effects, good or ill, of its use. Multiple studies, however, have linked heavy social media use to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicide ideation.

Negative experiences may be promoted via social media, such as: