Yes. Not only can too much social media usage cause adverse effects on your physical health, being buried in your phone causes even more detrimental effects on your mental health.

Don’t believe us? Read on as AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte gives you the facts.

How Does Social Media Usage Affect Me?

One of the biggest reasons that social media causes negative effects on your mental health is its ability to activate the brain and cause it to release a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a “feel-good chemical” and is linked to pleasurable activities such as food and social interaction.

Because our brains release this chemical, it keeps us coming back in hopes that we can reap the potential rewards that social media has to offer. When we don’t reap the rewards such as multiple “likes” and things of that nature, we get bummed out.

Other Negative Effects of Social Media

• Causes us to compare ourselves to other people, which in turn causes low self-esteem
• Can disrupt sleep patterns
• Promotes a sedentary lifestyle
• Can induce a lack of motivation in your work life

Can Social Media Be a Good Thing?

In the case of social media, what is its worst trait can also be its best trait. Being connected to so many people who you may or may not know can have its drawbacks, but it can also—when used right—encourage genuine human connection.

Connecting with other people is what humans are meant to do, but when there are too many people and they’re all doing too many cool things that you’re not doing, things are bound to go wrong. Experts suggest exercising moderation when it comes to social media usage. When used sparingly, social media can be great.

How to Keep Social Media a Good Thing

• Use it for 30 minutes a day or less, if possible.
• Turn off push notifications.
• Have set times when you open your social media apps.

Do you feel like your mental health is suffering because of social media usage? Our team at AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte can guide you in the right direction.