Logging onto social media has become a daily routine for many of us. According to a 2016 poll, 79% of Internet-using adults have a Facebook account. Additionally, 76% of Facebook users report logging on once per day, with 55% logging on several times per day. Another study recently estimated we spend a combined 50 minutes on social media each day, which extrapolates to roughly five years per lifetime.
So, not only are most of us on social media, but we’re on it a lot. What does that mean for our overall health? Unfortunately, there isn’t one simple answer. There are many pros and cons to social media and its overall effect on our mental and physical health which should be considered.
Evidence suggests social media can have positive and negative effects on our mental health, and as the old adage goes, you can have too much of a good thing. Users ranging from Generation Z to senior citizens should be conscious of their usage habits one way or another. If you believe you’re experiencing mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the licensed behavioral health professionals at St. Hope Foundation. Contact us online or by phone at (713) 778-1300 today.
https://socialnetworking.procon.org/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201511/loneliness-perceived-social-isolation-is-public-enemy-no-1
https://www.lifewire.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-social-networking-3486020
https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2009-09-27-social-networking_N.htm
https://dmlcentral.net/facebook-public-education-and-equity-a-13-year-old-fights-for-a-better-school/
http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/10/08/social-networking-usage-2005-2015/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2013/01/22/jealous-of-your-facebook-friends-why-social-media-makes-us-bitter/#461118c035cc
http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/8/9/3528/htm?hc_location=ufi