Although social media makes the world smaller and our loved ones closer, it can also be the source of stress and anxiety. Have you ever noticed that right after using social media, your anxiety gets worse? or even as you’re scrolling?
When you use social media on a regular basis, you’re exposed to a variety of content, including carefully curated profiles, highlight reels, news, and discussions, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and unease. This phenomenon is known as “social media-induced anxiety,” according to therapist Carolyn Rubenstein. These are some ways that social media use can exacerbate anxiety.
Social comparison
There are a lot of upbeat life perspectives on social media. Individuals typically keep their failures hidden from society and celebrate their victories. As a result, we are given a warped perception of reality and start contrasting our lives with the lives of others and the images they post on social media. This may give us a sense of failure.
Fear of missing out
Thanks to social media, the term FOMO, or “Fear Of Missing Out,” has become more well-known recently. People who engage in experiences on social media seem to be missing out on us. We become extremely anxious about not jumping on this trend as a result.
Cyberbullying
Regrettably, a lot of online harassment and cyberbullying occurs on social media platforms. Social media is rife with offensive remarks, personal assaults, and public humiliation, all of which can seriously harm one’s mental health.
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Online affirmation and likes
We frequently base our opinion of our own value on the number of likes and comments we get on the posts we post on social media. Constantly looking for validation from the internet can be detrimental and toxic to our mental health.
