Mental health and social media

Nowadays, nearly everyone has (or has had) some type of social media during their lives like YouTube, Instagram and others. Social media is an exceptional way to communicate with people around the globe and discover almost immediately what's happening at any moment, any time. Nevertheless, it can be threatening to our mental health and social interaction with people in our surroundings.

Despite mindlessly scrolling through social media might produce a little dopamine, several hours in front of a screen may cause the loss of melatonin and, in some cases, insomnia due to the high heart rate. 

Also, social media can cause anxiety or lack of self-love on a teenager. Some teens use their phones as a way to escape reality, they’re their safe place to forget everything, but, even though it can be a way to delight oneself, it may also be perilous for teenagers’ mental health as it triggers the comparison with others. It can raise doubts of self-worth and lead to mental issues such as anxiety and depression.

Eating disorders are also related to this topic; teens compare themselves to high beauty standards which are unrealistic models for children to follow, which develops a low self-esteem. But this might happen in some cases as eating disorders are frequently genetic and biological factors.

Social media can be a great tool to achieve happiness in life, but it can also boycott you in a way you’d never expect. Awareness on social media is critical to avoid all these issues from happening. 

https://www.letrame.com/autores/rebecaas/2018/01/28/consecuencias-y-efectos-de-las-redes-sociales-sobre-los-jovenes/

- Maria Castillo