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How Does Social Media Affect Mental Health

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Social Media & The Psychological Effects on Mental Health

With the increase of Social Networking Sites (SNS's) dramatic increase in the past few years; there has been a growth in psychological research addressing the psychological impact of these online experiences. Consequently, there is a darker side to how social media can affect us. According to researchers, the more time spent on social media, the more likely you are to suffer from mental issues. This is especially true in children and teens; however prolonged and excessive use presents a danger to adults as well. Social Media Anxiety Disorder (SMAD) is a syndrome that relates to social anxiety and is presented when the participation of social media affects the mental and physical …show more content…
Although social media interactions do stimulate the pleasure centers and dopamine production in the brain. The Journal Psychological Science notes that "social media websites may be as addictive as alcohol or cigarettes." Think about that, when a parent hands a child a cell phone for entertainment; it's like giving a cigarette to a child. The average three-year-old today can surf the web today; nursery rhymes have been replaced with You Tube Lyrics. The average teenager spends at least 5-7 hours a day playing virtual video games. Nowadays the average family consisting of two parents and two children go out to dinner at a restaurant and instead of conversing with one another everyone at the table is on their cell …show more content…
Although there are negative and positive effects of social media, finding a way to utilize SNS's for a more meaningful and healthy experience can improve an individual's mental health.

ETEC510contributors(2015)Social Media Anxiety Disorder, Retrieved February13,2018 from

http://etec.ctit.ubc.ca/510wiki/index.phptitle=SocialMediaAnxietyDisorder&oldid=6262282, PageVersionID:62282

This article describes symptoms associated with Social Media Anxiety Disorder and the affects it has on an individual's mental state it also provides information on coping mechanisms and treatments.

Dube, Dabi-Elle, (2016)"Internet, social media addiction linked to mental health risk study. "Health Global News, Retrieved February13,2018 from http://globalnew.ca/news/2948555/Internet-social-media-addiction-linked-to-mental-health-risks-study/>

This article discusses the affects social media has on society. The signs to watch for to avoid becoming addicted to SNS's, concerns of mental health and the different forms of mental illness that are associated with social media. How to curb social media use or

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