Verywell / Catherine Song
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in social media use.
According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of Americans in the U.S. use social media.
This has some researchers wondering about the long-term effects of social media use.
Because social media use is still relatively new, there are no long-term studies documenting its effects.
But several studies indicate that social media impacts mental health in a number of ways.
It became a vehicle for social support and connectedness that they would not otherwise have had.
This dopamine release, in turn, keeps people coming back because they want to repeat those feel-good experiences.
Social media can be particularly helpful for people withsocial anxietywho struggle to interact with people in person.
It can make people feel isolated and alone.
Ultimately, the lack of positive feedback online can lead to self-doubt andself-hatred.
It can even disturb your sleep and compromise your in-person relationships.
Click below to listen now.
By using self-monitoring and making adjustments, people can significantly improve their overall well-being.
As a result, it may be time for you to reassess your social media habits.
With proper treatment, you will soon be feeling better.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Pew Research Center.Social media fact sheet.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.Social media use and mental health among students in Ontario.CAMH Population Studies eBulletin.
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doi:10.7759/cureus.8627
Pantic I.Online social networking and mental health.Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw.
2014;17(10):652-657. doi:10.1089/cyber.2014.0070
