Social media has its roots deep in our societies, and it happens to be a double edged sword. Scientists continue to gather evidence linking the use of social media to depression.

Numerous research studies show that most young adults and teenagers spend a lot of time on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The Child Mind Institute suggests that depression rates among the teen and young adult population that are heavy social media users are between 13% to 66% higher than individuals who minimize their time on social media platforms.

Researchers recommend being mindful about the amount of time spent on social media platforms. They also recommend that users should avoid harmful content and spend their online time focused on positive content. Many people get depressed due to the content and habits that they expose themselves to when using online social platforms.

What is the connection between social media and depression?

The link between depression and social media is not direct but instead based on the habits caused by addictive social media usage, which may lead to depression. Dr. Lea Lis, a trained psychiatrist, stated that online social platforms easily distract people from their responsibilities.

Other negative reasons may trigger depression in heavy social media consumption, and one of the most common is online bullying. The use of anonymous avatars and online aliases gives people the confidence to insult each other.

Avoiding negative social media habits

Your phone is the main gateway to the social media world, and one of the ways it achieves this is through easy connectivity, which allows you to receive addictive notifications. It would help if you started by turning off notifications from social media apps. The second course of action should be to stop comparing yourself with others, especially with celebrities, because it creates unrealistic expectations.

Also, be picky about your online relationships. They should be limited to the people that add value to your life. Consider setting aside a specific time of day during which to interact with them. Doing so allows you to be disciplined about how you spend your time, and you can therefore focus on more productive activities.