Social media has become an integral part of our lives. For most people, social media apps are the first thing they see when they wake up in the morning and the last thing they see before going to bed. Social media is a form of online communication that allows individuals to connect with others, share information and content, and engage in virtual communities.
Though it is a valuable tool for connecting with acquaintances and people with whom we have lost touch, it is not a replacement for in-person socializing. Excessive use of social media has been linked to several mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
While social media can facilitate social interaction and communication, it is not the same as socializing in person.
Social media apps like Instagram and Facebook are designed to be addictive. Most people feel an uncontrollable urge to check their apps throughout the day which further leads to feelings of anxiety.
Not everyone on social media apps is considerate of other people’s feelings and certain comments, content, and social comparisons can feed into the already existing feeling of anxiety leading to serious mental health concerns. In such cases, it is best to consult a professional for anxiety treatment in Kopar Khairane and Mumbai.
It is necessary to understand that social media is not socializing. It lacks many of the nonverbal cues that are essential to human communication. Many gestures, nods, sounds, and eye contact, play a significant role in bonding between friends. It is also difficult to make out the tone of the text on virtual media.
Social media can create a false sense of intimacy, where individuals feel as if they have deep connections with others. Many people find difficulty in connecting when they meet up in the real world. Additionally, social media is highly curated, with individuals presenting only their best selves to the world. Only the good parts of your life will be broadcasted, making others think that no one else has any problems in life. The content on social media creates unnecessary discontent and the need to shop, plan trips, gatherings etc. even when there might not be an actual need.
Overuse of social media can have several negative consequences on an individual’s mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Some common after-effects of using social media excessively are-
- Addiction
- Negative effects on mental health, including increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
- Constant exposure to social media can also lead to feelings of inadequacy, social comparison, and FOMO (fear of missing out)
- Sleep problems
- Cyberbullying
- Decreased Productivity
Make sure to consult a professional for anxiety treatment in Kopar Khairane if you or your loved ones find it difficult to stay away from social media.
It is difficult to detect the onset of anxiety because of social media because it happens gradually and often goes unnoticed. Here are a few signs that simply mean you need to consult a professional for anxiety treatment in Mumbai at the earliest.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Social Media Anxiety Disorder
- Loss of interest in all other activities because of excess social media usage.
- Withdrawal from family and friends.
- Neglecting important tasks to stay active on social media.
- Severe feelings of stress and restlessness when unable to check social media notifications.
- Uncontrollable need for social media validation and sharing every daily update for the same.
If you notice any of these signs, make sure to schedule an appointment for anxiety treatment in Mumbai or Kopar Khairane with Dr. Parth Nagda. The consultation will help with reducing social media anxiety and overall social media usage.