Does Social Media Cause Anxiety?

Over the past few years social media has played a bigger part of our daily lives. We use SM as a way to connect with one another, a way to connect with customers or simply as form of entertainment. However does social media cause anxiety?

What is Anxiety?

Firstly let’s understand what anxiety is. Anxiety is an important and necessary physical response to perceived danger – it alerts us and helps keeps us safe. Most of us suffer from anxiety from time to time, however when it’s long lasting or impacts our normal daily life in a negative way that it becomes a problem.

What is Social Media Anxiety?

Social media anxiety is excessive irrational use to the point it negatively interferes with your daily life. Do you opt out of things in favour of being on social media?

Can Social Media reduce anxiety?

Yes absolutely! Studies have shown SM can not only reduce anxiety but also reduce stress and depression. It only turns into a problem if using social media becomes a compulsion or an uncontrollable need.

Social Media and Self Esteem

Studies have shown a link between SM networks and lower self-esteem. Self-esteem is an important part of how we see ourselves. It influences the decisions we make depending on the amount of confidence we have surrounding possible choices.

If you already suffer from low self-esteem there are a few things that could have negative effects on how we view ourselves like comparing others profiles to ours and viewing others as more successful or happier. These things could also lead to social anxiety.

Is Social Media Causing me Anxiety?

If your SM use is causing problems in your daily life, whether that’s personal relationships, work, opting out of activities or events etc. Then it’s time to seek out some help or at least start asking yourself some questions.

4 Signs Social Media could be causing anxiety

• Do you feel a compulsion to be on SM all the time causing you to become anxious?
• Experience anxiety wondering what’s happening on SM?
• Do you feel anxious surrounding the urge to login often?
• Anxious feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) if not checking SM?

Many of us enjoy social media, connecting with others, being entertained and entertaining and even using some platforms for business. Studies surrounding the question “does social media cause anxiety” show some parallels.