How Does Social Media Impact Your Wellness?

Many still contemplate what the exact verdict is regarding our mental health and social media's impact. This is partly due to the fact that there just isn't enough research. Some studies show that online connections with small groups of people can be beneficial, while others show a trend in the rise of symptoms in eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. Another reason it's hard to understand the trend of social media and our health is that social media is constantly changing and evolving. But what do the current studies out there say?

One study found a correlation between the time spent scrolling through social media apps and negative body image feedback. Those who spent more time on social media were 2 times more at risk of reporting eating and body image concerns. Another points to a link between increase social media time and higher reported symptoms of sleep problems and depression. One study even looked at brain mapping, finding that receiving a high number of likes on photos showed increased activity in the reward center of your brain. This basically means that it feels good to be "liked" and herd mentality is huge on social media.

Research has even found results that our screen time is restructuring our brain. There are now multiple studies showing that internet and gaming "addictions" have resulted in brain atrophy in the grey matter of the brain. The grey matter is responsible for our processing- where we plan, organize, and have impulse control. When these areas atrophy, they shrink and become impaired.  In addition, screen time also affects our white matter and our white matter is what helps our brain connect with our body. And studies suggest that it's not just people who are considered addicted that are affected!

Overall results from studies show that:

• We are too focused on likes. The need to gain attention can cause us to make choices we might not otherwise make such as altering our appearance, engaging in negative behaviours, and accepting risky social media challenges
• Making comparisons is on the rise. While we know that most of us only show highlights of our life, it's very difficult to avoid making comparisons. 
• Cyberbullying is still notable through social media.
• Less face time means less social interaction skills required on a daily basis. This makes it become difficult to develop skills such as compassion and empathy and human connection is a powerful tool. 
• Can increase our anxiety through things such as FOMO (Fear of missing out) or can make us feel that we are not smart enough, interesting enough, or are as successful as others. 

Does this mean social media is bad?

Not entirely. Everything is good in moderations. Social media allows us a great platform to connect with people in ways we have never had the chance to in history. It helps us build social connections in a new way and increases our communication skills. Social media in general is a way to extend our friendships and keep connected to people we already know. But it also allows us the opportunity to connect with people who share something of similar value to us. For example, it is invaluable for people with certain health conditions as they can discover that they are not alone and can connect with people who may have already gone through a journey very similarly. Interestingly, research has found that more than 40% of users have improved their health habits as a result of what they read and see on social media. 

Bottom line: use it with discretion. Listen to your body and mind and know when too much is too much.

Want to find out your social media happiness score just for fun? Click here and check out our Instagram story tomorrow for tips on using social media (oh the irony!).

YWC

Sources

Psycom

Psychologytoday

Psychologyschools

Ranker- Social media and your health