THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN USER HEALTH

Abstract

Human beings are social creatures. We need the company of others to thrive in life, and the power of our connections has a huge impact on our mental health and happiness. Being socially connected to others can alleviate stress, anxiety and depression, increase self-esteem, provide comfort and joy, prevent loneliness and even add years to your life. On the other hand, the lack of strong social connections can pose a serious risk to your mental and emotional health. In today's world, many of us rely on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, and Instagram to find and connect with each other. While each has its benefits, it's important to remember that social media can never be a substitute for real-world human connection. It takes personal contact with others to trigger the hormones that relieve stress and make you feel happier, healthier, and more positive. Ironically, for a technology that's designed to bring people closer together, spending too much time interacting with social media can make you feel lonelier and more isolated — and exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety and depression. If you spend an excessive amount of time on social media and feelings of sadness, dissatisfaction, frustration or loneliness are affecting your life, it may be time to re-examine your online habits and find a healthier balance.