Social Media and The Destroying Factors Linked to Teen Mental Health

What if you were stranded in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone service and only a map in your hand, would you be able to find your way back to where you needed to be, or would you need a GPS on your phone to help you navigate your way out? This is the growing problem we have in today’s society. Human kind is too reliant on technology. From GPS systems to even something like UberEats, we rely on our phones too much. The biggest thing phones seem to be used for is social media apps and entertainment. Social media allows people to post things about their daily lives for others to see, or even just show funny videos to entertain the user. Although this seems like all fun and games, social media can be a very dangerous thing if it is not used in the right manner. Numerous studies have shown that higher levels of social media use through kids/teens are linked to causes of anxiety, and depression. These effects can then play a big role into a teens daily life such as affecting school and even after hour activities including clubs and sports. The average teen spends a whopping eight hours and thirty-nine minutes a day on their phone. Not only do teens spend too much time on their phones but it is also known to raise anxiety and low self esteem in mental health. Teens are too reliable on their mobile device in their everyday lives. Reliance on their mobile phone can also make students feel annoyed, frustrated, and even impatient when the use is restricted. A lot of these things can be roped in with social media as well. Although social media has many benefits, it also has many negative strings attached. This can include cyberbullying, and easily caused sadness and doubt. If these apps are used too often for a long period of time, it can cause addiction. The brain is a unique muscle to the human body. When you post a picture of yourself online or on social media per say, you tend to seek likes and comments. Once this action happens and you see all the likes, comments, and support rolling in on your phone, your brain will then subconsciously register it as a reward. This will cause a dopamine release in your brain making you happy. After this feeling then wears off, the sudden urge to want to post and have a bunch of likes roll in on your posted content can then lead to an addiction. Not only can social media lead to addiction but according to the American Association of Suicidology, suicide rates have claimed to grow fifty percent in the last decade due to social media. All in all, the use of smartphone devices and social media can be a very dangerous and dramatic thing to deal with if not dealt with appropriately. There are three things recommended to reduce and prevent depression and anxiety through your phone and electronic device. The first thing is to find time to get outdoors and take in the sun’s vitamin D. This will cheer up your mood no matter how you are feeling as well as give you a sense of appreciation for time you’ve spent outside. Second, if you’re working a specific job or even at school that requires you to be on a computer or device all day, then you should take breaks of twenty minute spans to reduce the blue light on your eyes and not have so much neck strain. Lastly, cardio activity such as working out and getting your heart rate up is highly encouraged. Whether it’s going for a run, lifting weights, or even just taking a walk with your family away from your electronic device.