Go back

Social media as a whole has become a significant problem for the majority of the world’s population. What’s the issue? It’s quite simple, and its name is Screen Addiction. One of the main factors that intensified this problem was the pandemic caused by Covid-19.

Excessive screen use can harm both the physical and mental health of children, youth, and adults, potentially affecting vision and motor skills over long-term daily use. With social media being one of the major contributors to this problem, it’s crucial to have control to avoid such issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in screen time, with potential long-term consequences for physical and mental health, particularly among children and adolescents.
— Nagata et al., JAMA Pediatrics¹

But why should we stop using or at least try to reduce our daily use of social media? Well, as explained earlier, the problem goes beyond mere addiction. Here are some key reasons:

1. Mental Health Impact: Social media use has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, especially among younger users.

   There’s a strong association between social media use and depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, particularly in adolescents and young adults.
   — Journal of Adolescent Health²

2. Productivity Loss: Constant checking of social media can significantly reduce work and academic productivity.

3. Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by screens and the stimulating nature of social media can interfere with sleep patterns.

   Nighttime use of social media is associated with poor sleep quality, increased anxiety, and depression in adolescents.
   — Journal of Youth and Adolescence³

4. Privacy Concerns: Social media platforms collect vast amounts of personal data, raising concerns about privacy and data security.

5. Comparison and Self-Esteem Issues: Constant exposure to curated versions of others’ lives can lead to unrealistic comparisons and lowered self-esteem.

6. Misinformation Spread: Social media platforms can facilitate the rapid spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories.

   Social media has become a primary vector for the spread of misinformation, challenging traditional notions of truth and factual reporting.
   — MIT Sloan Management Review⁴

While complete cessation of social media use might not be feasible or desirable for everyone, implementing strategies to reduce and control usage can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being. This could include setting daily time limits, turning off notifications, or designating “social media-free” times or spaces in your life.

Remember, the goal is not to demonize technology, but to foster a healthier relationship with it. By being mindful of our social media habits, we can harness its benefits while mitigating its potential negative impacts on our lives.

Footnotes

1. Nagata, J. M., Abdel Magid, H. S., & Gabriel, K. P. (2022). “Screen Time for Children and Adolescents During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic”. JAMA Pediatrics, 176(1), 94-96. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.4334 ↩

2. Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). “A systematic review: the influence of social media on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents”. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 79-93. ↩

3. Woods, H. C., & Scott, H. (2016). “Sleepyteens: Social media use in adolescence is associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem”. Journal of Adolescence, 51, 41-49. ↩

4. Zuboff, S. (2019). “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power”. Profile Books. ↩