Technology, Social Media and Addiction
In today's digital age, technology has become an integral part of our lives. From staying connected with friends and family to education and entertainment, technology has drastically changed the way we live and interact with the world. While there's no denying that technology has its benefits, it has also raised serious concerns about its impact on our mental health, especially among teens. With the rise of social media platforms comes the issue of people’s constant need for validation, gratification, and the pressure to present a perfect image online. These effects have contributed to increased mental health issues among young people. As a result, it's crucial that we are aware of the potential dangers of technology and take steps to protect our mental well-being in the digital age.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding technology addiction and social media use is their impact on self-esteem and body image. Social media platforms often present an idealized version of reality, where people are expected to look perfect, have a perfect life, and have perfect relationships. This creates a culture of comparison where people, especially teens, constantly compare themselves to others and feel like they are not living up to unrealistic standards. The constant exposure to these unrealistic standards can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, as well as a distorted sense of body image. For example, a study conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health found that Instagram was the worst social media platform for young people's mental health, with 56% of participants reporting that it had a negative impact on their body image. Excessive technology and social media use has also been linked to increased anxiety and depression among teens. Social media can create a constant stream of stimuli that can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, social media can also encourage feelings of loneliness, as some may find themselves feeling left out of the virtual world they see on their screens.
There's a good chance you’ve posted something on Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, or even Twitter. If you have, there’s also a chance you were waiting to get that notification saying, “___ liked your post,” or opening your creation to see just how many likes it got. The constant need for validation that social media creates can be highly damaging to our mental health. On social media, likes and comments serve as instant rewards that trigger the release of dopamine, the feel-good hormone. This can lead to a cycle of checking social media frequently, seeking validation, and the release of dopamine. Over time, this can result in the development of an addiction to social media, making it difficult for individuals to break away from screens and go for extended periods without checking their accounts. People may feel the need to constantly update their profiles with what seems to be the best versions of themselves. The constant comparisons to the highlight reels of others' lives can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, causing individuals to doubt their own worth and abilities. This can result in a negative spiral of self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. In light of these negative effects, it's important for people to be mindful of their social media usage and seek professional help if they are struggling with addiction or mental health concerns.
Prolonged exposure to screens can also affect the structure and function of the brain, particularly the frontal lobe, which is responsible for decision-making and executive function. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that excessive use of screens was linked to changes in the brain structure of young people, including reduced grey matter volume and thickness. This can lead to difficulties with attention, memory, and decision-making skills, which can impact a person's ability to function effectively in their daily life. Additionally, screens emit blue light, which can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This is why you’re often hearing that you shouldn’t be on your phone for at least 30-60 minutes before bedtime because you’ll find it far more difficult to fall asleep. Disrupted sleep patterns can lead to fatigue and decreased attention and memory making not only sleeping at a good time difficult but our entire day feeling like a hassle.
It’s important for teens to be aware of the potential dangers of excessive technology and social media use. While technology and social media have their benefits, too much of it can have negative effects on your mental health. The rabbit hole that is social media can lead to various problems like addiction, anxiety, and depression and can even have long-term effects on your brain. To protect our mental well-being in this day and age, it's crucial that we take steps to be mindful of our technology usage, take breaks from screens, and seek professional help if we are struggling with addiction or mental health concerns.
