There is no overlooking the popularity of the modern internet. Whether you are browsing through Facebook or reading a trending news story on Twitter, social media has probably become a part of your daily life. Unfortunately, being online too much can actually make a person feel hopeless and mentally drained. Here are some of the key facts about depression and the internet.
Using Social Media to Fill Voids
Studies show that the average young adult spends at least 60 minutes of their day on social media. However, a large percentage of social media users are on certain sites for hours at a time. Some people use social media to satisfy a void in their life. For example, a person may be dealing with boredom or loneliness. The bad news is that heavy social media users are nearly twice as likely to suffer from depression.
Creates Envy
When surfing through various social media profiles, it is not uncommon to see users posting happy pictures. However, this can trigger feelings of envy. Some people begin to feel that everyone else is experiencing more happiness and greater success in life.
Cyberbullying
Over the last decade, cyberbullying has become a big problem. From young children to older adults, people of all ages can become a victim of cyberbullying. Even well-known celebrities have dealt with the nasty comments. While some people are ridiculed about their appearance, there are others who have their entire lifestyle attacked. Unsurprisingly, the constant abuse can cause you to feel extremely down and out. Some people have unfortunately committed suicide as a result of being bullied online.
Internet Addiction
An internet addiction is quite similar to a drug or alcohol addiction. If you have become addicted to social media, you will eventually start to neglect your real-world responsibilities. As soon as you wake up in the morning, you will immediately log on to a social media site. Failing to get your daily fix of social media could create a sudden bout of depression.
Sad News
A human behavior experiment proved that social media posts can dramatically affect a person’s mood. While there are plenty of inspiring stories online, you will also find an equal number of sad and depressing stories floating around the internet.