Decreasing the Negative Effects of Social Media

Social media (SM) can be both helpful and harmful to your emotional well-being. On one hand, SM can foster connections, support communities and even be a creative outlet when used responsibly. However, if you aren’t mindful of the digital content you are consuming or you spend entirely too much time doom scrolling there can be many negative impacts. 

Social Media Statistics

For many of us, social media is a part of your every day. Butler Hospital shares some startling statistics:

  • On average, folks spend 145 minutes a day on social media platforms (that’s 876 hours or more than 36 days per year!!!)
  • 39% of users feel they are addicted to social media
  • 59% of adults report that SM has negatively impacted their mental health

It is important to take a look at how often you are logging into social media platforms and how much time you are spending when you do. The impacts can be staggering. Setting limits with your use can be complicated. Therapy can help you to learn to set healthier digital boundaries. 

Know the Impact

Social media can negatively impact your mental health in a variety of ways. Some of these ways may include: 

  • Increased Anxiety and Stress: Constant notifications and information overload can raise daily stress levels.
  • Comparison and Low Self-Esteem: Seeing filtered, polished versions of other people’s lives can make you feel inadequate.
  • Sleep Problems: Late-night scrolling and blue-light exposure interfere with quality sleep.
  • Mood Changes: Heavy social media use is linked to increased loneliness and depressive symptoms.

How Can You Protect Your Mental Health?

  • Set daily screen-time limits.
  • Unfollow accounts that trigger stress or comparison.
  • Create phone-free times, especially before bed.
  • Take short breaks or “digital detox” days.
  • Use social media with intention—not out of habit.

It is possible to use SM responsibly. Implementing and maintaining healthy boundaries can go a long way. 

 

Getting Support

Social media can influence your mental health in meaningful ways, but with mindful habits and healthy boundaries, you can enjoy the benefits while minimizing the risks.

It is possible to use responsibly and set healthy digital boundaries, however, it can be difficult to do on your own. If you are struggling with the impact social media has had on your life you deserve support. Therapy can help you to take a realistic look at how you are functioning and find healthier ways to move forward. 

Carolina Counseling Services contracts with skilled licensed therapists who can help. If you are looking for exceptional mental health care in Fuquay-Varina, NC look no further than CCS. Online sessions are available as well making it easier than ever before to get quality psychiatric care anywhere in North Carolina. Reach out now  to get started!

Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), Tricare, Medicaid and many more!

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.