Social Media and Mental Health

Social Media and Mental Health

Amaya LeMaire

Although many of us like using social media to stay in touch, excessive use can exacerbate addiction-related, anxiety- and depression-related, isolating, and FOMO-related experiences. While suggested screen time is limited to no more than two hours per day, the average teenager spends about 7 hours and 22 minutes each day on the phone. Most kids are aware of the negative effects of spending a lot of time on their phones and on social media, but they still do it, why? Teenagers today deal with a lot of strain. Other times, individuals use their phones to keep up with their hectic life, but sometimes their phone use is connected to recreational activities and they may think it helps reduce stress. Setting your phone aside one day a week, perhaps a Saturday or Sunday when you are with people and truly don’t need it, is one method to cut down on your screen time and lessen your reliance on your phone. You can modify the settings on your phone to allow you to use only a specified number of apps or for a limited period of time. Use self-control; we all have it, but it can be challenging to find or practice.