Social media: the harbinger of mental instability

 Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of people around the world using platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat to connect with others, share information, and express themselves. Social media has transformed the way people access and consume information. It has given individuals the ability to share their opinions and perspectives on a wide range of topics, as well as to engage with others who have similar interests.  It allows us to connect with people worldwide, impact our studies and ideas, and keep up with current events. 

As the use of social media has increased over time, so has the concern over its impact on internal health. In fact,  numerous studies have shown that social media can be a  precursor to internal insecurity. One of the primary ways in which social media can impact mental health is through the constant comparison it promotes.

People often post their best moments on social media, showcasing their achievements and highlighting their successes. This creates a sense of pressure for others to do the same, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

For example, we can consider our school college board's result struggle. When a student achieves good results and posts them on social media to share with others but on the other hand a student who couldn't achieve a good result in the exam when he or she sees it he goes into depression. In some cases, their level of depression is so high that they even choose to commit suicide. A report by "Anadolu Agency" said that A total of 585 students in Bangladesh committed suicide in 2022, according to a report released Friday in the nation’s capital, Dhaka.

Of them, 340 and 106 were school and college students, respectively, while 85 were university and 54 madrasa, or Islamic seminary students, the youth-based Aachol Foundation said in the survey prepared based on reports in leading newspapers. For more info, click here

Furthermore, social media can be addictive, leading to increased anxiety and depression. Users often feel the need to constantly check their notifications and stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends. This can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and a constant need to be connected, which can be detrimental to mental health. While doctors and experts say that using a mobile phone continuously for more than two hours can lead to various chronic diseases including mental problems and eye problems.

Social media can also be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, which can have serious consequences for mental health. Studies have shown that cyberbullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicide in extreme cases. Additionally, social media can be a source of misinformation, leading to increased stress and anxiety for those who are constantly bombarded with conflicting information.

For example, We have recently noticed a rise in disinformation distributed through social networks that were developed to spread fraudulent or misleading viral films regarding the Ukrainian war. To prevent the spread of incorrect news, journalists such as Victoria Derbyshire have been using platforms such as TikTok to refute false information and expose what has been occurring to her fans. Click for more information