The Power of Likes, Comments, and Shares: How Social Media Affects Our Mental Health
The Thrill of Social Media Engagement
Have you ever been scrolling through your social media feed and stumbled upon a post that made you stop and think, “Wow, that’s really interesting!” You might have been drawn in by a clever meme or an emotionally charged story shared by one of your friends or a public figure.
But why do we get so hooked on social media engagement? For one, the unpredictable nature of social media feeds provides us with a constant source of novelty. We never quite know what we’re going to see when we open up our apps, which keeps us coming back for more.
Moreover, receiving likes, comments, and shares can give us a sense of validation and affirmation. When we see that others have reacted positively to our posts, we feel a rush of excitement and satisfaction that can be hard to resist. And when our posts go viral, that thrill can become even more addictive.
The Dark Side of Social Media Validation
While social media engagement can be a source of fun and excitement, it’s worth noting that it can also have negative effects on our mental health. For one, the desire to receive likes, comments, and shares can become all-consuming, leading us to constantly check our feeds and feel anxious when we don’t get the response we want.
Additionally, the pressure to perform can create a sense of competition among social media users. We may start to compare ourselves to others, wondering why their posts receive more engagement than our own. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
The Role of Social Media in Our Relationships
Of course, social media isn’t just about individual validation—it also plays a major role in our social connections. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow us to stay connected with friends and family members, even if we can’t see them in person on a regular basis.
However, studies have shown that social media use can also lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. Scrolling through endless photos of happy couples and family vacations can leave us feeling left out and lonely, even if we have our own happy lives outside of social media.
Social Media and Mental Health: What the Research Tells Us
While social media’s impact on mental health is still a relatively new field of study, researchers have uncovered some interesting findings in recent years. For one, studies have shown that excessive social media use can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Moreover, social media use has been linked to an increased risk of cyberbullying and online harassment, which can have devastating effects on mental health and wellbeing. These concerns have become particularly acute in recent years, as social media platforms have struggled to regulate abusive behavior on their sites.
Conclusion: Finding a Healthy Relationship with Social Media
So, what is the takeaway from all of this research? Should we swear off social media entirely, or simply accept the negative consequences as a necessary evil?
The answer is neither. Instead, we can strive to cultivate a healthy relationship with social media—one that allows us to enjoy the benefits of connection and engagement, without sacrificing our mental health and wellbeing.
That might mean setting limits on social media use, taking time to unplug and engage with the world outside of our screens, and practicing self-awareness when it comes to our emotional responses to social media engagement.
Ultimately, the power of likes, comments, and shares is a double-edged sword. While social media can be a source of incredible connection and joy, it can also be a drain on our mental resources if we’re not careful. By staying mindful and intentional in our social media use, we can ensure that we’re getting the most out of these powerful tools, without sacrificing our mental health along the way.
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Oliver Parker Johnson, Psychologist at Cure of Mind
