When social media starts hurting more than helping

The human existence has been defined by key discoveries, innovations and advancements across every generation.

From the discovery of the wheel by the Sumerians, to the Agrarian Revolution, and the 17th Century industrial revolution that gave us the engines, the early 20th Century innovations of the electric bulb and radio, discovery of penicillin in the late 20th and present 21st Century advent of the computers, internet and the smartphones.

We may not fully understand how each new discovery or innovation made our forefathers feel, but we definitely have an idea of how our lives have been transformed, even disrupted by the present technological advancements.

The introduction of the mobile phones in the late 80s and early 90s, and subsequent transition into smart phones in 2007, when apple launched iPhone smartphones by combining a touch interface with powerful computing capabilities, setting new standards for mobile devices was the ultimate game changer. The android software launched in 2008 caused more market penetration and led to the mass affordability of smartphones, transforming how people communicate, access information, and interact with technology daily.

The integration of internet services, social media, and communication apps into smartphones has reshaped social interactions, entertainment and business practices.

Despite the many positive attributes a phenomenon described as problematic social media use has emerged as a significant concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults, which encompasses excessive engagement with social networking platforms, leading to various negative mental and physical health outcomes.

Key health issues like, mood disorders and anxiety with a study indicating 41 per cent of teenagers with high social media usage rate their mental health as poor, often due to the pressure to maintain an idealized online persona and the fear of missing out and depression. Many users engage with social media late into the night, which disrupts sleep patterns and contributes to sleep deprivation.

A survey found that a significant percentage of adults spend hours on social media before bed, impacting overall sleep quality and cognitive functions. There is an upsurge of body image issues due to exposure to idealized images on platforms like Instagram can lead to body dissatisfaction, particularly among young users. Studies show that a substantial percentage of adolescent’s report feeling worse about their bodies after using social media.

In as much as the social media is meant to improve on interaction it leads to a paradoxical feelings of isolation. Users may prioritize online interactions over face-to-face relationships, resulting in weakened social skills and deeper loneliness. The constant need for validation through likes and comments can create a cycle of dependency that negatively impacts self-esteem.

Finally, Individuals may find themselves neglecting personal obligations and relationships in favor of online interactions, leading to a decline in overall life satisfaction and fulfillment. We need a concerted effort to stem these negative effects of this critical technological advancement.

A number of psychological tips that can enhance responsible and safe social media engagement including setting time limits, limiting notifications, scheduling breaks, curating one’s feeds, engaging focus mode and practicing mindfulness.

- The writer is a licensed psychologist/psychiatrist clinical officer and lecturer KMTC Meru Campus