Social media is one of humanity’s most notable developments, but nowadays it is so ubiquitous that people rarely consider its effects. It is simply something that you have at your disposal and which you can use however you want and for as long as you want. There’s no denying that these platforms have greatly benefited people since their introduction, enabling them to build friendships and form communities even when they’re thousands of kilometers apart. Those who live in small communities or who feel like outsiders can meet people who make them feel seen, accepted, and understood. Using social media also allows you to keep up with the news, social movements, and the latest trends.
However, there’s a dark side to it as well, which is unfortunately not discussed frequently enough, meaning that many remain unaware of its full scope and the dangers it entails.
The Disadvantages
Many people become addicted to scrolling through social media and end up wasting a significant amount of time as a result. In extreme cases, it can cause sleep disturbances and decreased productivity, making daily tasks significantly more challenging, if not outright impossible, to manage. The fact that social media is largely anonymous has meant that cyberbullying has become a growing problem whose impact on mental health can naturally be very serious. Misinformation is also common, with fake news (now further amplified by the use of AI) reaching an incredibly large number of people on a daily basis, and many of them falling for what they see.
In many instances, even though people are aware of how rampant misinformation is, they might still believe the words of influencers or other social media personalities that they like without double-checking, exposing themselves to mistruths as well. Social media is also very adept at creating echo chambers that foster extremist views and reinforce people’s biases. The real danger is that these beliefs don’t stay online; they propagate in real life as well and lead to real-life discrimination and prejudice. Due to the fundamental nature of social media, constructive dialogue is not often encouraged, and most people aren’t compelled to understand different perspectives.
Sharing too many personal details can expose you to privacy risks as well, including identity theft or stalking. Breaches and hacker attacks are unfortunately very common as well, and can expose your devices to malware.
Safe Usage
The best way to make the most of social media’s positive effects while minimizing the downsides at the same time is to foster safe usage. Having a strong password is one of the most important aspects of your online safety, as it safeguards the integrity of your account and ensures that none of the data or information you have can be accessed and used by unauthorized parties. Knowing that your accounts are secure will put your mind at ease and allow you to have a stress-free experience overall. The ideal password should be lengthy, containing at least twelve characters, unique, complex, and not repetitive (you shouldn’t use the same or very similar passwords for different accounts). If you can’t come up with a reliable one on your own, you can always use a password generator. These tools can be customized to meet the requirements of every website, and you will have the opportunity to choose between different passphrases as well. Integrating a password manager can help you store and keep track of all the passwords you use.
Some of the other healthy habits you have to incorporate when using social media platforms is to set time limits (and respect them at least most of the time), designate specific hours for social media usage and ensure they don’t interfere with real-world plans (whether professional or hobbies), and don’t follow pages whose content makes you feel bad about yourself, others, or the world.
Doomscrolling
The concept of doomscrolling refers to the compulsive need to consume negative news and information via social media. The behavior is naturally connected to anxiety, heightened stress levels, and overwhelming feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. It can be easy to fall into this trap just by wanting to stay informed and engaging in conversations. However, you should always think about the reasons why you’re online in the first place, as well as the ways in which the virtual spaces you inhabit are making you feel.
Remaining aware at all times will help you determine if it’s time for a break or if you should change the content you’re consuming altogether. Thinking critically can be difficult on social media because there is so much information to process in the first place that filtering in and looking at it logically often doesn’t come into the picture at all. If you can feel yourself spiraling and your mind is inundated with negative thoughts, take a step back to assess your situation. Having a break can provide you with much-needed perspective on your situation.
Report Abuse
You don’t have to deal with any kind of online abuse, and the moment you’re subjected to such behavior, you should take immediate action. Harmful posts, messages, comments, and even profiles should be reported to the online platform right away. Stop all contact if you’re being targeted and block the bullies right away to prevent them from interacting with or sharing your content. All illegal content must be reported as well, and doing so can protect not only yourself but also others. If the abuse persists, you should contact your local authorities, as real-life repercussions should be dealt with by real-life law enforcement.
Find Fulfillment
While spending time on social media can be amusing, relaxing, or even educational at times, it is still essential to find happiness and fulfillment outside of social media platforms. Hiking, painting, reading, listening to music, and spending quality time with friends, pets, or family are great ways to connect with others and feel like you’re an integral part of your community.
To summarize, while social media can definitely be beneficial, it must be approached cautiously. Safeguarding your well-being is a must, and if you haven’t begun doing it already, you should definitely get started. It could ultimately become one of the most significant and positive shifts in your mental wellness journey.
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