You hear a lot about how harmful social media is to kids' and teens' emotional and mental health. (Studies correlate the increasing incidence of non-suicidal self-injury and suicide in young people with the ever-increasing influence of social media on daily living.)
But did you know it's harming grown-ups too?
A new study in JAMA Network Open reveals that adults who use social media more than once a day (some say they use it "most of the day") are much more irritable — impatient, quick to anger, frustrated, and for no particular reason just not feeling content or happy.
Social media may affect you that way because you worry you don't measure up to standards being touted online for appearance, income, popularity, or any other quality that is being praised.
Or your social media obsession may make you too sedentary, meaning you're not getting your 10,000 steps a day or the equivalent.
When you are active, you dispel stress, improve brain function, and get out into nature and/or interact with friends, which boosts your mood.
You may also be agonizing about world events that cause you distress.
But you can be well-informed without torturing yourself. Just say no to screen time.
We aren't saying all social media is bad for you; some online information is inspiring, enlightening, and empowering. Concentrate on that.
Follow each of us on Instagram and take a look at our videos on Facebook and YouTube that offer you support and advice to improve your life today and tomorrow.