Thousands of friends, hundreds of likes and comments… we’re
living in an age of constant connection, endless friends and ceaseless praise. Yet
these technological advancements can sometimes cause us to feel more isolated than
ever. Recent studies have shown that social media can have a negative effect on
our mental health, without us even realizing. It can be the cause of
depression, anxiety and has even been linked to suicide. But how?
1) Cyberbullying
Bullying happens everywhere and unfortunately the
internet is no exception. There is even a specific term coined for a certain
type of cyberbullying (trolling) which is the act of deliberating upsetting
someone, usually a stranger. The internet gives people anonymity and
confidence, meaning they say things they probably don’t have the confidence to
say in the real world – whether you know them or not. Have a private profile
and block any users who bring negativity into your life.
2) Constant
Comparisons
Every day you’re bombarded with images and statuses
which seem to suggest all of your connections on social media are living
incredible lives. Beautiful meals, champagne cocktails, perfect relationships
and successful jobs…you can’t help but compare when you’re sat in bed watching
crap television on a Saturday night. If you’re having a down day then it can be
made a lot harder looking at the perceived success of others. A recent study
showed that 51% of people admitted social media affected their confidence due
to unnecessary comparison, so you’re not alone in feeling this way.
"If you’re having a down day then it can be made a lot harder looking at the perceived success of others"
A good way to counteract this is to realize that everyone’s
profiles are fabricated to a point. No one has a perfect life – everything on
social media has been carefully selected to show the positive and not the
negative. In other words you’re comparing yourself to an idealized life, not a
real one.
3) Lack of
‘Real’ Socializing
Social Media is great at providing ways of keeping in
contact, but sometimes it can completely swallow the social part of our life. It seems like you have a ton of friends who
you’re close to, but you rarely see them in real life. This can lead to individuals
isolating themselves as they feel they don’t need to have a social group in
‘real life’ as they get all they need from their connections on social media.
"There's something to be said for socializing in the real world too..."
Of course there are benefits to
having friends online, but there’s something to be said for socializing in the
real world too. Having someone physically there to talk to and do things with
can ease feelings of loneliness and isolation – something everyone benefits
from. So don’t lock yourself away and
use your chat apps to arrange a proper get together.
4) Addiction
It may sound far-fetched but addiction to social media
is a real thing. It helps relieve boredom, but it can start to take up more and
more of your time. Think of all the times you’ve sat in a restaurant with
friends, writing on your Facebook about how you’re sat in a restaurant with
friends – very meta I know. The point is you’re not living in the present
because you’re too busy letting everyone else know what a great time you’re
having. Try to refrain from having your phone stuck to your hand at all times
and appreciate the moment.
Using Social Media in a Positive Way
Social media has so many awesome applications; it all depends
on how you use it. Try to keep the following in mind:
- Don’t allow yourself to get upset by comments,
especially from strangers
- Try not to compare yourself to others
- Use your apps as a tool to keep in contact with friends and family – but not the only way
- If you need support for specific issues or are new to an area, finding social groups online can be a great help.
Social media can also be used as a way to promote awareness
and understanding of issues, helping people relate to one another. At The Lions Barber
Collective we aim to encourage open conversations about mental health, promoting
a dialogue and helping to move away from negative stigma. Check out our website
for more details on projects we’re involved in.
By Kimberley Parker
Thousands of friends, hundreds of likes and comments… we’re
living in an age of constant connection, endless friends and ceaseless praise. Yet
these technological advancements can sometimes cause us to feel more isolated than
ever. Recent studies have shown that social media can have a negative effect on
our mental health, without us even realizing. It can be the cause of
depression, anxiety and has even been linked to suicide. But how?
1) Cyberbullying
Bullying happens everywhere and unfortunately the
internet is no exception. There is even a specific term coined for a certain
type of cyberbullying (trolling) which is the act of deliberating upsetting
someone, usually a stranger. The internet gives people anonymity and
confidence, meaning they say things they probably don’t have the confidence to
say in the real world – whether you know them or not. Have a private profile
and block any users who bring negativity into your life.
2) Constant Comparisons
Every day you’re bombarded with images and statuses which seem to suggest all of your connections on social media are living incredible lives. Beautiful meals, champagne cocktails, perfect relationships and successful jobs…you can’t help but compare when you’re sat in bed watching crap television on a Saturday night. If you’re having a down day then it can be made a lot harder looking at the perceived success of others. A recent study showed that 51% of people admitted social media affected their confidence due to unnecessary comparison, so you’re not alone in feeling this way.
"If you’re having a down day then it can be made a lot harder looking at the perceived success of others"
A good way to counteract this is to realize that everyone’s
profiles are fabricated to a point. No one has a perfect life – everything on
social media has been carefully selected to show the positive and not the
negative. In other words you’re comparing yourself to an idealized life, not a
real one.
3) Lack of
‘Real’ Socializing
Social Media is great at providing ways of keeping in
contact, but sometimes it can completely swallow the social part of our life. It seems like you have a ton of friends who
you’re close to, but you rarely see them in real life. This can lead to individuals
isolating themselves as they feel they don’t need to have a social group in
‘real life’ as they get all they need from their connections on social media.
"There's something to be said for socializing in the real world too..."
Of course there are benefits to
having friends online, but there’s something to be said for socializing in the
real world too. Having someone physically there to talk to and do things with
can ease feelings of loneliness and isolation – something everyone benefits
from. So don’t lock yourself away and
use your chat apps to arrange a proper get together.
4) Addiction
It may sound far-fetched but addiction to social media
is a real thing. It helps relieve boredom, but it can start to take up more and
more of your time. Think of all the times you’ve sat in a restaurant with
friends, writing on your Facebook about how you’re sat in a restaurant with
friends – very meta I know. The point is you’re not living in the present
because you’re too busy letting everyone else know what a great time you’re
having. Try to refrain from having your phone stuck to your hand at all times
and appreciate the moment.
Using Social Media in a Positive Way
Social media has so many awesome applications; it all depends
on how you use it. Try to keep the following in mind:
- Don’t allow yourself to get upset by comments, especially from strangers
- Try not to compare yourself to others
- Use your apps as a tool to keep in contact with friends and family – but not the only way
- If you need support for specific issues or are new to an area, finding social groups online can be a great help.
Social media can also be used as a way to promote awareness
and understanding of issues, helping people relate to one another. At The Lions Barber
Collective we aim to encourage open conversations about mental health, promoting
a dialogue and helping to move away from negative stigma. Check out our website
for more details on projects we’re involved in.
By Kimberley Parker
By Kimberley Parker
