How does social media affect our mental health?

Research has shown that social media has a negative effect on our wellbeing. Social media is addictive. This can cause neglect in certain areas of our lives; many people also use it as a means to seek distraction from realities of life.

Social media triggers anxiety, comparison, low self-esteem, sadness, the feeling of isolation, hyperactivity, and so much more.

Social media has also been associated with many mental health conditions. Depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impulsive disorder, sleep deprivation, paranoia, and loneliness are some of the mental conditions that are influenced by social media.

Evidence suggests that social media can have both positive and negative effects on our mental health. First of all, some people go on Facebook, and their entire purpose is to compare their own lives with other people. It could be everything from an attractive picture, the person's relationship status, or pictures of people who have more money than they have.

There is a term coined called "Facebook envy." All of the above listed are examples of this. Facebook can take the focus off of our own lives and wreak havoc on our self-esteem.

However, social media can relieve social isolation and loneliness by giving us the ability to interact with others online and freely share our thoughts and opinions. It helps to boost creative self-expression as well. Many people who are too shy in person rely on Facebook for connecting with others.