The topic of the impact of social networks on human life is quite extensive, so this list presents only the most important results of studies related to social media.
Most likely, if you read this article, you are connected in one way or another with social networks. The studies below and their results will help to uncover the danger to psychological health related to social networks. In any way, if you or someone you know needs an Instagram boost, for example receive some likes or comments or a few new followers you can visit https://insta4likes.com.
Social media addiction
Studies show that 63% of Americans visit Instagram daily, and 40% enter the app several times a day. People use such sites for many purposes, but the main reason is to divert attention from everyday life or to get away from boredom.
People like to leave comments, post any information. And it is addictive so that a person simply cannot stop. Today, there is even a scale for measuring dependence to social networks.
The impact of social networks
Social networks contribute to the idealization of what is not worth much attention: for example, virtual life distorts the concept of real values. This makes users constantly compare themselves with other people and think less about their own lives. Individuality is eradicated in a person, thereby negatively affecting social networks on a person’s life.
If things are going well with friends in your news feed, and you have a difficult day, then this will negatively affect your mood.
More recently, British researchers interviewed a group of users of social networks, and it turned out that 53% of people believe that social media influence their behavior, and 51% of users admitted that their mood worsened due to comparisons with the lives of other users.
The problem of social networks
And here is another psychological problem associated with social networks. Of the above-mentioned study groups, two-thirds admitted that they experience stress when they are not able for one reason or another to get to their social network account.
Online Threats
Online threats of cyberbullying are especially relevant for adolescents.
Note! Cyberbullying – these are illegal actions that are carried out through the Internet and are aimed at psychological pressure on the teenager. The methods can be very different: psychological violence, threats on the Internet, intimidation, blackmail, intimidation, and others.
There is even a whole organization called Enough is Enough, which seeks to make the Internet safer for everyone. According to a survey by this organization, 95% of adolescents who use social media witnessed cyberbullying, and 33% themselves became victims of this phenomenon.
Less social networks
Studies examining the relationship between adolescents, social networks, and drug use have shown that 70% of adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age who use social networks daily are five times more likely to smoke tobacco, three times more likely to use alcohol, and two times more likely to smoke marijuana more often.
Also, 40% of adolescents admitted that they were influenced by photos and various images on social media.
Social networks bring bad habits
In a study conducted at the University of Michigan, they collected data on Facebook users and the impact of this social network on their moods.
The results showed that those users who regularly visited social networks were unhappier and generally dissatisfied with life compared to those users who visited the same website much less often.
Social networks develop a fear
Social networks develop a sense of fear of missing an event, and the user is constantly under the pressure of this fear. Numerous studies show that a person is constantly concerned about how his status, photos and other details posted on his web page will look in the eyes of other social media users.
Social networks distract
How many tabs do you have open right now? Are you sure you are focused on one thing? The fact is that you are hardly concentrated enough if the page of some social network is open on the monitor.
Studies have shown that our brain cannot fully focus on two tasks at once. Instead of solving certain tasks, the human brain is constantly switching from one task to another. This makes it difficult to process information and reduces brain performance.
If you close the tab with a social network site that is distracting, you can significantly increase your attentiveness and concentrate on more important things.
Upside of social networks
However, social networks also lead to positive psychological satisfaction, which undoubtedly consists of their plus. Perhaps one of the most important points is that social media immerses us in a special world of communication, thanks to which relationships with other people are revived and maintained.
Even more exciting in this technological world is that you can always and with just one click find an incredible amount of like-minded people who can be available at any time.
Using research provided by the British Psychological Society, it was found that if students who experience low self-esteem take advantage of social media, they will be able to overcome depressive and decadent moods through association and communication with other people.
The benefits of social networks
Studies provided at the 119th annual American Psychological Association showed that introverted and non-contact introverted teens can learn social skills through social networks.
In particular, this happens because shy people can feel safe behind the screen of a monitor (or smartphone, tablet, generally any gadget with an Internet connection). Dr. Larry D. Rosen stated that teens are becoming mentally balanced by expressing empathy for others through social networks, which also shows the benefits of online resources.
Conclusion
As a result, we can draw the following conclusion: social media is far from always able to make a person a bully, drug addict or a person who has transgressed the law. If you visit such sites sparingly and with good intentions, then, unambiguously, this brings people together, makes them kinder, more correct and more responsive. Also, the Internet is a great opportunity for self-development.