Title: Social Media and Mental Health - HelpGuide.org
Headings: Social Media and Mental Health
Social Media and Mental Health
While many of us enjoy staying connected on social media, excessive use can fuel feelings of anxiety, depression, isolation, and FOMO. Here’s how to modify your habits and improve your mood.
Coronavirus update
The role social media plays in mental health
The positive aspects of social media
The negative aspects of social media
What’s driving your social media use?
Other causes of unhealthy social media use
The vicious cycle of unhealthy social media use
Signs that social media is impacting your mental health
Modifying social media use to improve mental health step 1: Reduce time online
Step 2: Change your focus
Step 3: Spend more time with offline friends
Step 4: Express gratitude
Helping a child or teen with unhealthy social media use

Content: In today’s world, many of us rely on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, and Instagram to find and connect with each other. While each has its benefits, it’s important to remember that social media can never be a replacement for real-world human connection. It requires in-person contact with others to trigger the hormones that alleviate stress and make you feel happier, healthier, and more positive. Ironically for a technology that’s designed to bring people closer together, spending too much time engaging with social media can actually make you feel more lonely and isolated—and exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. If you’re spending an excessive amount of time on social media and feelings of sadness, dissatisfaction, frustration, or loneliness are impacting your life, it may be time to re-examine your online habits and find a healthier balance. The positive aspects of social media
While virtual interaction on social media doesn’t have the same psychological benefits as face-to-face contact, there are still many positive ways in which it can help you stay connected and support your wellbeing. Social media enables you to: Communicate and stay up to date with family and friends around the world. Find new friends and communities; network with other people who share similar interests or ambitions.