Social media is an all-pervasive platform that has impacted individuals of all ages. However, recent studies have shown that social media depression is more prevalent among the younger generation. As per the reports, teenagers who spend excessive time on social media have an increased risk of depression. This article dives deeper into the factors that make social media a depressing platform and suggests some ways to boost mood naturally.
Factors Contributing to Social Media Depression
- Social comparison: Continuous exposure to curated and filtered content on social media can lead to unrealistic standards of comparison among young people. The constant comparison leads to negative perceptions of self-worth and feelings of inadequacy.
- Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying has now become a social trend, with almost everyone being a victim of it. Constant exposure to negative comments, bullying, and shaming can lead to low self-esteem and depression.
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): The fear of missing out on social events or parties is a significant contributor to anxiety and depression. People tend to forget that social media posts are not an accurate representation of real life, which in turn leads to negative emotions.
How to Improve Mood Naturally?
- Physical Activity: Doing exercise that you enjoy, whether it’s cycling or dancing, produces endorphins, which act as natural mood boosters.
- Socializing: Routine interactions with friends and family, engaging in activities with them, talking through concerns, and sharing laughter enhances our social bond and elevate mood.
- Nature time: Fresh air, sun, lush greenery, and waterbodies tend to have therapeutic effects that can help to quell ruminative and negative thinking patterns.
At last, we should be mindful of the screen-time we devote to social media. While social media has brought everyone closer, avoiding its negative effects is crucial. It is essential to adopt healthy practices that help to minimize the impact of social media depression while we continue to use it to our advantage.
