Lifestyle
-Oneindia Staff
Social
media
now
shapes
how
many
people
talk,
share
and
spend
free
time.
Its
effect
on
mental
health
is
strong.
It
can
support
users,
but
it
can
also
harm
them.
The
impact
depends
on
how
often
people
use
it,
what
they
see,
and
how
they
feel
before
they
log
in.
Social
media
affects
mood,
stress
and
sleep.
Some
people
feel
more
linked
and
calm.
Others
feel
lonely,
sad
or
tense
after
scrolling.
Studies
link
heavy
social
media
use
with
higher
levels
of
anxiety
and
depression.
The
link
is
not
simple,
but
experts
agree
that
very
high
use
is
a
risk
sign.
Social
media
influences
mental
health,
with
potential
benefits
like
support
networks
and
information,
but
also
risks
like
anxiety,
depression,
and
cyberbullying;
excessive
use
may
lead
to
problems.
Young
people
are
more
affected;
experts
suggest
mindful
use
via
time
limits
and
support
seeking,
where
necessary.
Social
media
can
help
users
find
support.
People
can
talk
about
stress,
grief
or
illness
with
those
who
understand.
Online
groups
can
guide
students,
parents
and
workers.
Mental
health
pages
share
tips
on
sleep,
food,
exercise
and
therapy.
For
some,
it
is
easier
to
ask
for
help
online
than
face
to
face.
Social
media
also
helps
spread
correct
facts
about
mental
health.
Users
see
posts
that
normalise
therapy
and
self-care.
This
can
reduce
shame
and
fear.
People
learn
how
to
spot
warning
signs
in
friends
and
family.
If
used
with
care,
social
networks
can
link
users
to
hotlines,
clinics
and
trained
experts
in
India.
Negative
effects:
anxiety,
depression
and
stress
Many
users
report
stress
when
they
feel
they
must
stay
online.
Constant
alerts
and
new
posts
make
it
hard
to
rest.
When
people
compare
their
lives
with
edited
photos,
they
may
feel
low.
This
can
raise
risk
of
anxiety
and
depression,
mainly
in
teens
and
young
adults.
Fear
of
missing
out,
often
called
FOMO,
is
common
on
social
media.
People
worry
they
are
left
out
of
events
or
trends.
They
may
check
apps
even
when
busy
or
tired.
This
pressure
can
harm
sleep
and
focus.
Over
time,
this
can
also
affect
marks
at
school
or
work
results.
Self-esteem,
body
image
and
comparison
Social
media
feeds
are
full
of
filtered
photos
and
ideal
bodies.
Users
may
feel
that
they
must
look
the
same.
This
can
harm
self-esteem
and
body
image.
Young
users,
especially
teens,
may
feel
ugly
or
weak
when
they
see
perfect
skin,
thin
bodies
and
luxury
lifestyles
again
and
again.
Likes
and
comments
often
act
like
a
score
for
self-worth.
When
posts
do
not
get
many
likes,
some
users
feel
they
are
not
valued.
This
can
hit
those
who
already
feel
unsure
about
how
they
look
or
who
they
are.
It
may
also
make
bullying
and
harsh
jokes
spread
faster.
Cyberbullying
and
online
harassment
Cyberbullying
is
a
major
mental
health
risk
on
social
media.
It
can
include
rude
comments,
fake
rumours
or
sharing
private
photos.
Victims
may
feel
fear,
shame
or
anger.
Long-term
bullying
can
lead
to
sadness,
anxiety
and,
in
severe
cases,
self-harm
thoughts.
The
impact
can
last
even
after
posts
are
deleted.
Online
harassment
also
affects
adults.
Public
figures,
workers
and
students
can
face
hate
messages.
Many
suffer
stress
each
time
they
open
an
app.
Blocking
tools
and
report
options
help,
but
they
do
not
solve
the
root
cause.
Support
from
family,
friends
and,
when
needed,
counsellors
is
often
key.
Social
media
addiction
and
screen
time
Some
people
find
it
hard
to
stop
using
social
media.
They
may
scroll
late
at
night
or
during
meals.
This
can
disturb
sleep
and
daily
tasks.
When
use
starts
to
control
time,
mood
and
focus,
experts
may
call
it
problem
use
or
social
media
addiction,
though
research
on
this
is
still
growing.
High
screen
time
links
with
headaches,
eye
strain
and
less
physical
activity.
Lack
of
movement
can
affect
both
body
and
mind.
Short
breaks,
app
time
limits
and
phone-free
zones
at
home
can
help.
Parents
in
India
often
set
rules
for
study
time
and
phone
use
to
protect
children’s
mental
health.
Impact
on
children
and
teenagers
Children
and
teenagers
are
more
open
to
social
pressure.
They
may
join
challenges
or
trends
to
fit
in.
If
they
see
harsh
content
or
violence,
it
can
affect
sleep
and
mood.
Early
and
heavy
social
media
use
is
linked
by
some
studies
to
higher
risk
of
anxiety
and
attention
issues
in
this
age
group.
At
the
same
time,
teens
may
gain
skills
online,
such
as
language,
art
or
coding
tips.
The
key
is
guided
use.
Many
schools
and
parents
now
talk
about
digital
safety,
privacy
and
mental
health.
Simple
rules,
like
no
phones
during
homework
and
keeping
accounts
private,
can
lower
harm.
Practical
ways
to
use
social
media
mindfully
Users
can
protect
mental
health
by
checking
how
they
feel
before
and
after
scrolling.
If
they
feel
worse,
it
may
be
time
to
change
habits.
Unfollowing
accounts
that
cause
stress,
and
following
pages
that
teach
or
support,
can
improve
the
feed.
Turning
off
some
alerts
can
also
reduce
pressure.
Setting
daily
time
limits
helps
keep
balance.
Many
phones
show
screen
time
reports.
People
can
plan
“offline
hours” for
meals,
study,
sleep
and
time
with
family.
If
social
media
use
feels
out
of
control,
or
if
mood
problems
grow,
talking
with
a
mental
health
expert
or
doctor
is
advised.
