• How does social media affect mental health?

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    Social media's impact on mental health is multifaceted and can vary widely depending on how it is used. Here's a summary of insights from various experts featuring on the :

    1. Attention and Generative Drive: Social media can drain our generative drive by capturing our attention with fleeting pleasures and distractions. This often leads to passive consumption rather than active engagement with the world, potentially undermining deeper fulfillment and creativity 1.

    2. Rise in Mental Health Issues: There has been a significant rise in depression and anxiety, particularly among young people, since around 2012. This correlates with increased smartphone use, which affects mental health through screen time, social dynamics, and blue light exposure impacting sleep 2.

    3. Body Image and Sleep Issues: Many adolescents report that social media worsens their body image, due to constant comparison with others, and contributes to poor sleep due to late-night device usage. This highlights the addictive and often negative nature of social media exposure 3.

    4. Communication and Loneliness: Social media can lead to feelings of isolation and diminished self-esteem. The lack of face-to-face interaction strips communication of its nuances, making it easier to misinterpret or hurt others without realizing 4.

    5. Balance and Positivity: While social media can create meaningful connections that enhance happiness and longevity, excessive negative consumption—such as relentless negative news—may detract from overall well-being. Balancing engagement is crucial for maintaining mental health 5.

    Efforts are being made to mitigate these negative impacts. Families are setting boundaries around social media use, and there is a growing awareness among young people about the platforms' manipulative nature 6. Additionally, calls for stronger policies to protect users and ensure data transparency are essential steps toward improvement 6.