Scientific research has highlighted that lengthy and non-strategic social media usage can trigger anxiety. Why is that?
Regular social media users bombard themselves with an overload of information, most often highlighting others’ modified realities. This abundant exposure can ignite feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, or even intense ‘Fear of Missing Out’ (FOMO). These feelings, if unmanaged, can morph into anxiety disorders, affecting our productivity, relationships, and overall well-being.
Mental Health: A Victim of the ‘Like’ Culture?
Interaction has become a digitized event cornered around getting ‘likes.’ However, what happens when we don’t receive validation as expected?
The ‘like’ culture has conditioned us to seek external approval for our happiness. This dependency can lead to self-esteem issues, mood disorders, or even extreme tendencies like cyberbullying, all of which can contribute to personal anxiety.
The Big Question: How Do We Tackle This?
Recognizing the symptoms of social media-induced anxiety is the first step towards managing it. Here are a few strategies you can follow:
- Fix a schedule for your social media activity to avoid overspending your time.
- Foster real-life relationships that nurture your emotional well-being.
- Indulge in productive hobbies that enhance your self-esteem.
- Most importantly, consult professionals if you experience persistent anxiety symptoms.
Social Media and Personal Anxiety: A Reality Check
Through understanding, monitoring, and applying strategic social media usage, we may indeed evade the grip of personal anxiety. Remember, social media is a tool. Its impact on you largely depends on how you choose to wield it.
So, is social media causing your personal anxiety? It’s high time we addressed this elephant in the room and realigned our digital footprint healthily and beneficially. Let’s combat this new-age anxiety together, fostering a healthier relationship with our screens and our minds.
Note: If you or someone you know is dealing with persistent anxiety, seek help from a mental health professional. Your mental health matters, always.
[sourcelink link=”https://metro.co.uk/2016/11/11/social-media-anxiety-is-a-real-thing-and-heres-what-its-like-to-have-it-6248947/”]
