Title: Social Media and Mental Health: Time for a Digital Detox? | Psychology Today
Headings: Social Media and Mental Health: Time for a Digital Detox?
Rob Whitley, Ph.D.
Social Media and Mental Health: Time for a Digital Detox?
Why social media is bad for mental health, and what can be done to reduce usage.
What Is the Impact of Such Usage on Mental Health?
The Passive Use of Social Media
The Active Use of Social Media
Social Media and Physical Health
Social Media and Social Activity
Steps to Taking a Digital Detox

Content: Taken to extremes, this can result in the well-known phenomena of cyber- bullying, which has been associated with suicidal behaviour in recent years. Social Media and Physical Health
Considerable research indicates a powerful relationship between physical health and mental health. Worryingly, evidence suggests that heavy usage of social media and digital devices can negatively affect physical health. For example, one study indicated that heavy usage of social media and digital devices (especially before bed) can negatively affect the quality and quantity of sleep. This is concerning, as a good night’s sleep gives the brain and the body a chance for rest and renewal. Indeed, disturbed sleep has been consistently associated with poorer mental health. Similarly, heavy social media users can spend large amounts of time staring at a small screen, which can contribute towards headaches, migraines, and problems with vision. Such habits can also inhibit exercise and outdoor activity in nature, which has been linked to good mental health. Social Media and Social Activity
To be sure, social media can allow users to connect with people of similar interests and mindsets, contributing to increasing social networks. In talking about social media, it is not all doom and gloom, and usage in moderation can sometimes foster social connections and social capital.