This week you will finish the rough draft of your article on your chosen healthcare topic. Before we can complete the rough draft, we need to finish the article. It is important that we end with a str

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

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EN1150

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Section 119

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

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Social media can negatively affect mental health. According to studies, using social media is linked with elevated anxiety, despair, and loneliness levels. This can be due to several factors, including social isolation, cyberbullying, and the constant bombardment of news and information. Social networking can lead to negative self-comparison, and inflated expectations as users compare their lives to the curated and idealized versions of others online (O'Keeffe et al., 2011). Furthermore, the constant need for validation and the pressure to present a perfect image online can exacerbate feelings of worry and despair. Social media, on the other hand, can positively impact mental health. Social media can foster a sense of community and solidarity, especially for disadvantaged or lonely people. It can help raise awareness and lessen the stigma associated with mental health issues. Social media can be a platform for sharing and seeking information, resources, and advice related to mental health. By connecting people with similar experiences and interests, social media can foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness.

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While social media can have negative consequences on mental health, it is equally significant to realize that it can have good effects. Those struggling with mental health might find community and support on social media (Guntuku et al., 2017). Those who connect with others who have had similar experiences feel less isolated and more understood. This is especially useful for people who do not have access to in-person support groups or other resources. Furthermore, social media can be utilized to advocate for and increase awareness of mental health issues. By sharing stories and information, social media can help reduce mental health issues' stigma and encourage people to seek help when needed (Pavalanathan & De Choudhury, 2015). Social media can also provide access to resources and support that may not be available otherwise, particularly for those who live in rural or isolated areas. This can include online counseling services, virtual support groups, and mental health apps. Furthermore, social media can be a platform for positive self-expression and creativity. For many people, social media is a place to share art, music, and writing that reflects their emotions and experiences. This can be a therapeutic outlet for people struggling with mental health issues, allowing them to express themselves and connect with others in a meaningful way.

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It's essential to recognize that individuals can take action to promote positive mental health while using social media. Setting boundaries around social media use can help prevent adverse effects. This might include limiting the amount of time spent on social media, avoiding using social media before bed, and taking breaks when feeling overwhelmed. Individuals can reduce the risk of negative mental health outcomes by being intentional about how and when social media is used. Participating in constructive online networks and avoiding harmful or offensive content can also promote positive mental health (Lederman et al., 2015). For example, individuals can seek out online communities that are supportive and positive, such as groups focused on hobbies, interests, or causes that align with their values. Avoiding negative or triggering content can also help maintain a positive mindset while using social media. Self-awareness exercises, positive reinforcement, and support are additional tactics for supporting good mental health on social media. By being mindful of the impact of one's posts and comments, individuals can create a more positive online environment. This might include sharing positive or uplifting content, expressing gratitude, and offering support and encouragement to others. Being mindful of how one's own social media use may impact others can also promote positive mental health.

References

Guntuku, S. C., Yaden, D. B., Kern, M. L., Ungar, L. H., & Eichstaedt, J. C. (2017). Detecting depression and mental illness on social media: an integrative review. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 18, 43-49.

Lederman, R., Wadley, G., Gleeson, J., Bendall, S., & Álvarez-Jiménez, M. (2014). Moderated online social therapy: Designing and evaluating technology for mental health. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction (TOCHI), 21(1), 1-26.

O'Keeffe, G. S., Clarke-Pearson, K., & Council on Communications and Media. (2011). The impact of social media on children, adolescents, and families. Pediatrics, 127(4), 800-804.

Pavalanathan, U., & De Choudhury, M. (2015, May). Identity management and mental health discourse in social media. In Proceedings of the 24th international conference on world wide web (pp. 315-321).