How Social Media Is Directly Affecting Your Mental Health

Loneliness & Social Isolation

Loneliness is another common emotion users tend to encounter when interacting with social media. A survey conducted by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine interviewed 7,000 participants between the ages of nineteen and thirty-two. It found those who spent the most time on social media were twice as likely to be dealing with social isolation, including a diminishing sense of belonging, interacting with others and creating fulfilling relationships with others. Spending more time on social media can reduce the amount of time spent face-to-face. Furthermore, social media envy created a distorted belief that others live happier lives, fuels the perceived idea that a user is isolated and excluded from others and certain lifestyles.