Social media has made possible to connect with any people across the globe at the same it has cayse immense impact on mental health as well.

1. SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Submitted To: Dr. Ijmal Ahmad
Social Media and Mental Health
Submitted by-
Ravi Raj Kamal
21GSOE1010010
Pedagogical Basis of English (BEDU1076)
1st Semester (B.Ed. 2021-2023)

2. Introduction
Submitted To: Dr. Ijmal Ahmad
• With our phones now being an
accessory in our everyday
lives, social media has started
to contribute to our mental
health.
• While many of us enjoy
staying connected on social
media, excessive use can fuel
feelings of anxiety, depression,
isolation, and FOMO. Here’s
how to modify our habits and
improve our mood.

4. The role social media plays in mental health
Submitted To: Dr. Ijmal Ahmad
• In today’s world, many of us rely on social media platforms such as Facebook,
Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, and Instagram to find and connect with each other.
• While each has its benefits, it’s important to remember that social media can
never be a replacement for real-world human connection.
• It requires in-person contact with others to trigger the hormones that alleviate
stress and make you feel happier, healthier, and more positive.
• Ironically for a technology that’s designed to bring people closer together,
spending too much time engaging with social media can actually make you feel
more lonely and isolated—and exacerbate mental health problems such
as anxiety and depression.

5. The positive aspects of social media
Submitted To: Dr. Ijmal Ahmad
Social media enables you to:
•Communicate and stay up to date with family and friends around the world.
•Find new friends and communities; network with other people who share similar
interests or ambitions.
•Join or promote worthwhile causes; raise awareness on important issues.
•Seek or offer emotional support during tough times.
•Find vital social connection if we live in a remote area, for example, or have
limited independence, social anxiety, or are part of a marginalized group.
•Find an outlet for our creativity and self-expression.
•Discover (with care) sources of valuable information and learning.

6. The vicious cycle of unhealthy social media use
Submitted To: Dr. Ijmal Ahmad
Excessive social media use can create a negative, self-perpetuating cycle:
1.When we feel lonely, depressed, anxious, or stressed, we use social media more
often—as a way to relieve boredom or feel connected to others.
2.Using social media more often, though, increases FOMO and feelings of inadequacy,
dissatisfaction, and isolation.
3.In turn, these feelings negatively affect our mood and worsen symptoms of
depression, anxiety, and stress.
4.These worsening symptoms cause us to use social media even more, and so the
downward spiral continues.

7. Dopamine
Submitted To: Dr. Ijmal Ahmad

8. The negative aspects of social media
Submitted To: Dr. Ijmal Ahmad
• Inadequacy about your life or appearance
• Fear of missing out (FOMO)
• Isolation
• Self-absorption
• Cyberbullying

9. Signs that social media is impacting your mental health
Submitted To: Dr. Ijmal Ahmad
Some indicators that social media may be adversely affecting your mental health
include:
• Spending more time on social media than with real world friends
• Comparing yourself unfavourably with others on social media.
• Experiencing cyberbullying.
• Being distracted at school or work.
• Having no time for self-reflection.
• Engaging in risky behaviour in order to gain likes,
• Suffering from sleep problems
• Worsening symptoms of anxiety or depression.

10. Modifying social media use to improve mental health
Submitted To: Dr. Ijmal Ahmad
Step 1: Reduce time online
Use an app to track how much time you spend on social media each day
Turn off your phone at certain times of the day
Don’t bring your phone or tablet to bed
Disable social media notifications
Try removing social media apps from your phone
Step 2: Change your focus
Are you using social media as a substitute for real life?
Does social media leave you feeling inadequate or disappointed about your life?
Step 3: Spend more time with offline friends
Set aside time each week
If you’ve neglected face-to-face friendships, reach out to an old friend
Volunteer

11. References
Submitted To: Dr. Ishrat Naaz
1. DISALVO, D. (2010). Are Social Networks Messing with your Head? Scientific American Mind, 20(7), 48–
55. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24940280
2. H. Achat, Kawachi, I., Levine, S., C. Berkey, E. Coakley, & Colditz, G. (1998). Social Networks, Stress and
Health-Related Quality of Life. Quality of Life Research, 7(8), 735–750.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/4037496
3. Rosenfield, S., & Wenzel, S. (1997). Social Networks and Chronic Mental Illness: A Test of Four
Perspectives. Social Problems, 44(2), 200–216. https://doi.org/10.2307/3096942
4. Kuss, D. (2017). Mobile Technology and Social Media: The “Extensions of Man” in the 21st Century.
Human Development, 60(4), 141–143. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26765167