Is Social Media a Health Hazard?
Be completely honest. How much time do you spend each day checking sites like Facebook and Instagram? Statistics show that the average person spends up to 2 hours per day on social media platforms, with YouTube and Facebook occupying most of our time. With so much time dedicated to being social, it is interesting to consider what kind of implications our habits have on our health. Is social media a health hazard or could it do us a world of good?
The problems with social media
Two main issues spring to mind when considering potential negative implications of social media on our health. The first is an increased inclination to be less active. Why would you want to go for a run, go to the gym or get your bike out when you could sit there and watch funny videos or chat with your friends instead? The worry is that inactivity is even more harmful than obesity, and studies show that we are spending less and less time on the move. If you are worried that you are not as active as you should be, take a look at this page.
The second issue, and this is a subject that triggers fierce debate, is the role of social media when it comes to body image and self-esteem. If you take a look through your Instagram explore page, for example, what kinds of pictures do you come across? It is common to encounter content that features people with flawless skin and modelesque physiques. If you are exposed to these pictures all the time, it is bound to make you try and measure up. The truth is that very few people have perfect skin or a bikini body to die for, yet this kind of content dominates social media.
These images may have no impact on you whatsoever, but if you are already conscious about your weight, the size of your breasts or your skin, this can magnify the problem. If course, it is impossible to say that you would suddenly want to find out more at www.roxyplasticsurgery.com/services/breast-augmentation if you were unhappy with the size of your chest, but seeing images of bikini models with big busts every day may make you more likely to consider steps like cosmetic surgery. We all have confidence issues, but it appears that image has taken a much more prominent role in society, and we are more conscious about how we look than ever before.
The pros
Social media is not all bad, and there are some amazing advantages. Most notably, when it comes to health, social media can help to prevent loneliness and isolation, and it can really cheer us up if we are feeling stressed or low. Many people also find comfort in connecting with others, especially if they are going through a tough time. The Internet can often provide a safe haven and an escape when times get hard. It can also offer a means of channeling emotions and expressing feelings, which can be hugely beneficial for mental wellbeing.
The rise of social media has impacted the vast majority of people. Today, Facebook has almost 2 billion users per month. There are obvious advantages of being connected on social media, but there are also hazards to be wary of. Think about the way you use social media and try and ensure that you take the positives out of your experiences.
Article by Alicia Baker
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.