The Internet is the biggest pool of information in today’s world with everything just a single click away. We all are addicted to the internet even if we agree or not. From checking our phones first thing in the morning to trying to live up to false standards, learning about depressing events all over the world, there is no doubt about the fact that internet forms a substantial portion of each day.
Even if you chant I hate social media and deactivate your social accounts once in a while, you are somehow inclined towards finding what your friends, enemies, frenemies or even favorite celebrities are up to. While checking out others is common and a basic human behavior the problem arises when we tend to compare our lives to something we see on the gram and fall into the despair.
In many ways, internet is the source of depression and frustration in youngsters and the fake reality we see online drives us all insane. No matter how much you ignore the impact of internet here are some mental health effects of internet overuse.
Emotional Overload
It is wise to be aware of our surroundings and what’s happening in the world. While internet has made news to travel in just a matter of seconds which feels us connected to all parts of the world. But sometimes this results in information overload causing the user to feel extra distress and emotional turmoil.
The ultimate information from different regions of the world makes you emphatic about bad things happening but it also puts you into unrest when one feels like not being able to do anything to help the ones in need.
Addiction
With tones of things happening worldwide daily, we get one thing or another that hits the emotional wire in the brain. While this is good but soon a person becomes addicted to such up and lows in the emotions.
This is why living outside of information can be tedious, and offline life can lose its allure. However, we are not just addicted to the quantity of information we receive, but also to its variety.
Our minds become addicted to new experiences because new experiences enhance dopamine production, making you happier. If the overload is continual, you will get agitated since you will be unable to satisfy your need for new information.
Depression
You need internet to kill the depression and internet causes you depression. That’s the vicious cycle of addiction and no kidding but internet is a mere addiction. Many studies prove how internet pulls a person back to themselves and they tend to find more and more each day to learn about what’s happening everywhere. While one might think they have everything under control, soon you are developing tolerance to the internet usage and the time spent online? Well, it keeps on increasing until you are in deep waters.
Comparison
Nothing cause depression and mental unrest other than comparing your life to others. You might feel jealous or even melancholy if you frequently look at your Facebook friends’ photos. People forget that on social media, people tend to misrepresent their genuine lives. In this instance, the phenomenon of “social comparison” kicks in, and your peer’s boastful post can trigger depression symptoms. We just forget that everyone has their own ups and downs, and that there is a strong inclination to publicize only good moments and achievements.
Unrealistic Expectations
When you see good things coming easy on social media or internet you develop unrealistic expectations from life. A person who isn’t happy and content in their today’s life they will always be searching for more and end up disappointed. While it is great to be optimistic but one must also remember that good things don’t come easy and the way internet portrays life as nothing but a bed of roses, well that’s what causes depression when you experience real life is a totally different business.
Internet and Anxiety
How many times you incurred a health issue and got online to find out you are on your journey to the final world? Too much computer time can exacerbate your anxiety, whether it’s from reading too much unpleasant news or studying your symptoms online – something Doctors see regularly among his patients. In general, researching your health problems online is a bad idea because it leads to a lot of unnecessary anxiety and stress.
Sleep Issues
The availability of whole world (your smartphone) right besides your pillow is a big reason why you cannot sleep at night. Technology use is highly linked to sleeplessness and in worse cases it may cause insomnia to. Most people have a hard time sleeping because they keep their minds wandering about the things they saw or heard on the internet. This makes them want to get back online and have a little more of it.
Overuse
Overuse just doesn’t begin the first day you get a phone or start using social media. You might be moving towards internet overuse and not realizing it. There are various indicators that your internet use is bringing problems for you in life. You may be experiencing “problematic Internet use” if you feel compelled to constantly check your social media accounts for updates or respond to emails as soon as possible (even in the middle of the night). Talk to your doctor if you feel like the Internet has taken over your life.
Social Media Use
As a matter of fact, you can put a stop to internet abuse and overuse. The truth is, people aren’t frequently compelled to modify their social media habits just because they’ve been told it’s harmful for them. Individuals should be aware of their limitations. Most social media users are unlikely to fully abandon their accounts. They can, however, keep track of their actions to understand how their use affects them and how to respond as a result.
Another great way to get control of the virtual world is to make your physical world more interesting. Start by pursuing your interests online, work on yourself for yourself and have a little me time where you talk about your accomplishments without needing anyone to appreciate it.
