No matter where you go, it seems like something’s always ringing, buzzing or pinging. Resultantly, many modern consumers suffer from information overload.

In an always-on society, a growing number of consumers recognize the value of giving their minds a rest from an ongoing onslaught of information. At the same time, more physicians recommend that patients unplug so that they can reconnect with themselves.

Most students who seek mental health services need help for anxiety and depression, according to the Center for Collegiate Mental Health. A barrage of often bad news and unrealistic social media tends to wear people down and contribute to the blues.

By unplugging, you can fight back against the influence of social media that has led many digital citizens to judge themselves by standards that are impossible to match.

Give Yourself a Break

Today, whether someone is using a laptop or smartphone, they’re more than likely browsing social media. Many consumers have grown so used to a constant onslaught of information that they can’t do without it.

In the media, authors frequently use the term “fear of missing out” (FOMO) to describe this common sentiment. Unfortunately, social media FOMO can lead to poor mental health, especially among the most avid online digital citizens.

Roughly 77% of all U.S. citizens have at least one social media profile. FOMO is a big problem in America. Studies show that United States consumers are highly likely to use social media.

Despite the powerful influence of social media, there is little available research about how it can affect mental health. However, as social media gains more influence, a growing number of researchers are approaching the subject.

For instance, a Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology study reveals that there is a link between social media use and negative emotions such as depression and loneliness. Researchers found that increased social media consumption increases these feelings.

Is It Possible to Live Without Technology?

Absolutely – at least for a little while. Studies show that adults spend approximately half of their day consuming media content, and 70% of teens check their cell phones as soon as they wake up

For children, nonproductive screen time contributes to poor health outcomes, according to the Mayo Clinic. The internet is an excellent tool for education. However, too much television and entertainment can contribute to poor social skills as well as health problems such as obesity and sleep problems.

A Pew Research Center survey of teens reveals that the group believes they spend too much time on their phones. Nevertheless, many teens can’t resist the lure of digital notifications and instant gratification.

2018 Nielsen ratings show that adults spend 11 hours a day consuming a combination of T.V., smartphone and radio entertainment. Noneducational television and computer use contribute to moderate to severe depression among adults, according to a Preventative Medicine Reports study.

Resultantly, excessive screen time is a significant health risk for U.S. consumers. According to the Alliance on Mental Illness, it can result in isolation, exposure to cyberbullying and reduced quality of life.

A Closer Look at the Problem

Among all social media platforms, researchers have found that Instagram is the most threatening to emotional well-being. Scientists found that the platform is a positive outlet for self-expression and self-identification. However, they also found that heavy use of Instagram increases the risk of detrimental outcomes, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Exposure to cyberbullying
• FOMO

Among the five top social media networks, researchers ranked YouTube the highest in not contributing to poor health and well-being. Among the five social media platforms, YouTube was the only one that researchers did not link to depression and anxiety. The study ranked Twitter second, Facebook third, Snapchat fourth and Instagram last.

Social media does have benefits. However, those benefits do not outweigh emotional health risks, such as poor body image and sleep quality as well as exposure to cyberbullying. Furthermore, studies have shown that youth who spend more than two hours a day on social media sites are more likely to develop psychological problems.

Social media influencers create unrealistic expectations of achievement. Resultantly, heavy social media users can develop feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

For example, Instagram filters easily contribute to feelings of poor body image for women. With a range of available filters that enable Instagram publishers to create perfect pictures, social media continually exposes users to an ideal of perfection that they can never equal.

There is increasing awareness of the need to mitigate the effects of social media on children and young adults. Some public health advocates urge social media companies to intervene.

For example, The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge recommends that social media platforms highlight when publishers digitally manipulate images. The Royal Society also recommends that social media platforms provide some way to help users who may suffer from emotional problems.

Royal Society officials hope that someday social media networks will empower youth to protect their health and well-being. The society doesn’t recommend the elimination of social media. Instead, they believe that social media platform decision-makers must do their part to promote the betterment of society.