In today’s fast-paced world, social media is more than just sharing photos or catching up with old friends. For some, it becomes an obsession, distracting them from their daily lives.
And when it interferes too much, it can lead to feelings of depression, stress, and loneliness. But there’s hope.
A new study suggests that therapy can help improve the mental health of those who struggle with problematic social media use.
When Social Media Takes Over
Problematic social media use happens when someone can’t stop checking their feeds, even when it’s disrupting their day or neglecting their duties.
Past research has shown that this kind of heavy use can lead to negative mental health outcomes, like depression or anxiety.
Therapy to the Rescue
A study from University College London looked into different ways to help people whose social media habits were harming their mental well-being.
They examined 23 studies from 2004 to 2022. The findings? Therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), made a big difference.
In fact, 70% of studies found a major improvement in depression after therapy-based interventions. Just cutting down on social media use or giving it up didn’t work as well. Therapy worked best, helping in 83% of studies.
Dr. Ruth Plackett, the main researcher, explained that simply using social media less isn’t the solution. Instead, it’s vital to understand our behavior on these platforms.
Reflecting on why we use social media and managing our behaviors through therapy can be more beneficial.
What This Means for Everyone
With billions of people on social media, its impact is undeniable. It’s changed how we connect, form relationships, and even see ourselves.
Some find social support online, while others struggle with its side effects, especially the younger generation.
Doctors, like Dr. Patricia Schartau, believe that they should ask their patients about their social media habits, especially if they’re showing signs of anxiety or depression. This way, they can suggest effective treatments.
Researchers aim to use this study to guide policymakers and doctors on how to handle problematic social media use.
But more research is needed, mainly because current studies have their limits. For example, they might not represent everyone, making it hard to apply their findings broadly.
In a nutshell, while social media can offer many benefits, it’s essential to use it in moderation and be aware of its potential drawbacks.
And if it starts affecting mental health, therapy can be a powerful tool to find balance again.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about 6 foods you can eat to improve mental health, and B vitamins could help prevent depression and anxiety.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and results showing Omega-3 fats may help reduce depression.
The study was published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
