Social Media and Mental Health: Friend or Foe?

We’ve all been there — scrolling mindlessly, comparing our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media has revolutionized how we connect, but it’s also impacted how we feel about ourselves.

Studies link excessive social media use to anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. Why? Because it often leads to:

• Comparison — Seeing curated lives can make us feel “less than.”

• Information overload — Constant news and opinions can be mentally draining.

• Validation-seeking — Likes and follows become metrics for self-worth.

But social media isn’t inherently bad. It can also:

• Connect people who feel isolated.

• Provide educational and mental health content.

• Empower users to find support groups or like-minded communities.

The key is how we use it. Try this:

• Set app time limits.

• Curate your feed — unfollow accounts that trigger insecurity or stress.

• Follow therapists, mental health advocates, or motivational pages.

• Schedule social media breaks — even just a weekend offline can reset your mind.

You control your feed. You control your peace.