B. Negative Impacts
Excessive or harmful use of social media is linked to:
Depression and anxiety: High usage correlates with symptoms of depression and anxiety due to exposure to idealized portrayals of life and social comparison.
Sleep disruption: Nighttime use can disrupt sleep patterns, further impacting mental health.
Cyberbullying and harassment: Many users experience online harassment, contributing to stress and trauma.
Addiction-like behavior: Problematic social media use leads to decreased focus on offline responsibilities and emotional distress.
C. Interventions
Interventions to mitigate these risks include:
Promoting digital literacy and healthy usage habits.
Implementing therapy-based strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which have proven effective in improving mental well-being.
Encouraging breaks from social media and fostering face-to-face interactions.
