Is Social Media Harming Your Health?

The ugly truth about Social Media & Wellbeing

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us with friends, family, and the world in a way that was unimaginable just a few decades ago. But while social media has its benefits, it also has its downsides. Here are a few of the ways in which social media can be harmful to our emotional wellbeing:
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1. It can be addictive: Many people find themselves compulsively checking their social media accounts, even when they know they should be doing something else. This can be a sign of addiction, which can lead to problems with productivity, relationships, and overall well-being.
2. It can be a time waster: Many people use social media to distract themselves from the every day tasks that need doing (housework, exercise, work etc), Hands up, I'm guilty of this!!!  It deflects from real issues, emotions and challenges that need to be dealt with and perhaps processed, leaving us feeling a bigger failure than perhaps we did before. And with constant interruptions which can be intrusive, it disrupts downtime and sleep time too.
3. It can be harmful to mental health: Studies have shown that excessive use of social media can be harmful to mental health, leading to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Seeing other people's curated and often idealised lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy and FOMO (fear of missing out).
4. It can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying: Social media has made it easier for bullies to harass and intimidate their victims, even when they are not physically present. Cyberbullying can have serious and lasting effects on the mental health of victims, and can even lead to suicide in severe cases.
5. It can distort reality: Social media allows people to present a highly curated and distorted version of their lives, leading to a distorted view of reality. It is easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and feeling like we are not measuring up. It is important to remember that social media is just a snapshot of someone's life, and that people tend to present the best versions of themselves online.
6. We overtly seek validation from others: Sharing personal information to be empathetic and help others can be a good thing to do, however over sharing for the purpose of seeking attention and validation of our self worth, from others, rather than work on finding peace within ourselves, is a slippery slope to unhappiness and will never bring fulfilment.
7. It can erode privacy: Social media requires users to share personal information and activities with a potentially large and diverse audience. Sharing too much personal info can lead to a lack of privacy and the potential for our personal information to be misused or stolen.

The risk and potential harm amplifies when we consider how our children are using social media.  How aware are you of all of the social media channels young  people use? And how they are using it?  Facebook is not even on their agenda a they live their lives on Insta Messenger, Snapchat, TickTock and BeReal.  Photos get sent, of everything, and talk is blunt, to the point and quite literally in another language. Social media is eroding the natural social skills of our kids, skills they will need through both their professional and personal lives.

Overall, it is important to be aware of the downsides of social media and to use it in a healthy and balanced way. This may involve setting limits on your use of social media, being mindful of the content you consume and share, and being aware of the potential risks to your privacy and mental health. By being aware of these potential downsides and taking steps to protect yourself and your family, you can enjoy the benefits of social media without falling victim to its negative effects.

If you need therapeutic support in changing your relationship with social media, please get in touch. Hypnotherapy is a wonderful therapy approach to help you change behaviours.