Social Media and its Impact on the mental health of people during the lockdown
Currently, the world is fighting against a serious and contagious virus: Covid-19. It has quickly affected the lives of all individuals, be it a student, working-class citizen, or homemaker. People are going through a major lifestyle change due to the outbreak of this pandemic as their social interactions are decreasing. Since all the offices, schools, colleges, etc., are closed, there has been a huge spike in people spending time online via social media platforms. Many are trying their hands at cooking, while others are brushing up their dancing, singing, and painting skills. People are trying to cope with and adjust to this critical situation by staying as connected with others as possible and trying to make the best use of their time. Nevertheless, how is it affecting people’s mental health?
People of all age groups tend to engage on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. and exchange a vast variety of information among their acquaintances. With a considerable amount of time being spent on social media, people come across a variety of information about the pandemic. From posting pictures to sharing different videos and content on social media, people influence a varied population. It is quite common to come across conflicting information on such platforms, which can be stressful and manipulative. For children, parents must keep a keen eye on their activities so that it does not cause any harm to them and others. Adults need to understand that all information provided on such platforms is not always correct and needs to be backed up by genuine research and knowledge. Sometimes, the information is true and can prove to be useful, which can help individuals take appropriate precautions against the virus. However, at times, people share inappropriate things that cantrigger anxiety and fear in individuals. For example, when the news about the markets being shut down due to the rising number of corona cases broke out among the people in different cities, people were seen panic buying and coming out on the streets in large numbers.
People need to understand and remember that social media is a platform that needs to be used wisely and cautiously as it affects the lives of many. Many individuals can be seen as forwarding messages that are unnecessary and unwarranted on Whatsapp groups. Sometimes such messages and videos turn out to be conflicting and creating a sense of discomfort in individuals. This could lead to higher levels of stress.
Social Media and children
It is quite perspicuous that gadgets fascinate children. We can see in our families that children these days have become smarter than ever. They can easily operate smartphones and hence, tend to be stubborn about using them. Moreover, since their academic classes are running online these days, they are exposed to screens for a long time throughout the day. They cannot go outside to play with friends and thus choose to spend their time on phones, watching videos on YouTube, playing games, and even logging into social media accounts.
Teenagers tend to spend more time using phones rather than sitting and talking with family members. It results in inadequate sleep and can lead to irritation. In addition to the physical symptoms, social media also affects the mental health of teenagers as well as adolescents. Researchers report that kids who spend more time online tend to be unhappier than those with limited usage. Social media can set and build standards for children that can be difficult to maintain and it affects the child’s relationship with the family.
The youth these days can be seen making different videos and posting them on platforms like Instagram and Tik-Tok. While some content is entertaining and enjoyable, others could be labeled as inappropriate, as it tends to send out the wrong message since such apps and videos address a major population of the country. Individuals have been complaining about their disturbed sleep cycle and feeling lethargic throughout the day. Being on the gadgets for most of the day could be a reason for that. Many people have reported that since they cannot go out, spending their time using phones can lead to an addiction.
The unsuitable and overuse of gadgets can also lead to physical symptoms like pain or irritation in eyes, headache, or body pain, etc. There are psychological symptoms as well, such as a difficulty in sleeping, aggression, mood swings, etc. What can be done to prevent such problems? A multi-level approach is needed, as a one-size-fits-all approach may not work. The following strategies can be adopted to prevent the overuse of gadgets.
Rationing screen time is crucial in maintaining a balance between mental and physical health. Using technology wisely can help individuals stay entertained and healthy. After all, health is very important.
Sometimes finding the beauty in what we have and refocusing our attention to positives can redirect our headspace. Staying positive and using a rational approach can help better to cope with difficult situations. It is to be remembered that nothing stays for too long. The bad times shall pass too. There are so many negative things people are facing during this pandemic like economic crisis, business loss, extra workload, etc. but the only way we can overcome this, is by having a positive outlook of the situation rather than feeling helpless. Positivity will not only make it easier to deal with the situation but can also help in staying happy and motivated.
There is nothing more beautiful than coming together as a family. Talking to family members can be soothing and stress-busting. Dividing chores among the family members, playing indoor games, sharing old stories, chatting and discussing the things you have not been able to share because of lack of time, etc., can help in rebuilding the bond with your loved ones in a meaningful way.
Fixing an hour for exercise or yoga or meditation at home can help individuals calm anxiety levels or stress caused due to the sudden change in their lifestyle. It can also uplift their mood, relieve tension and enhance well-being. Eating nutritious food, drinking plenty of water, sleeping at the right time as well as getting 7-8 hours of good quality sleep can help the individuals stay healthy and fit.
Think of all the things you have always wanted to do, but never got around to doing. It could be painting, writing, learning to play a musical instrument, cooking, or anything one could think of. This quarantine is the best time to bring out your hidden talents and pursue hobbies that have been left behind.
It is best to use this time to your advantage. Use this extra time to be proactive and constructive by allocating your time toward productive and meaningful endeavors. The time is now!
Social media is a blessing as well as a curse. Where it is helping people to connect with their loved ones during this hard time, it is also becoming a major cause of increased distress in individuals. From filtering the information as correct or incorrect to a proper time limit to use cell phones and other gadgets, it is essential to manage time efficiently and engage in productive activities.
It is important to understand that anybody can feel low or depressed or anxious during these remarkably hard times that we are facing currently. However, we need to remember that eventually things are going to get better. Individuals should seek social support through friends and family and should not hesitate to ask for professional help if needed. Nothing about these days is normal. It is natural to feel bored in this monotonous routine, but we should not lose hope and keep motivating ourselves and our loved ones to keep themselves busy. This would make quarantine industrious and creative. Besides all the hardships and mood swings, we need to stay safe, healthy, and indoors. We can beat this humdrum time together by staying positive!
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