- It can affect your self-esteem
Seeing other people’s selfies or post-workout bodies with hundreds of likes may cause us to feel insecure and compare ourselves to them, thinking that we don’t have their glass skin, perfect eyebrow shape, or the six-pack abs they have. These filters may lower our self-esteem because of the new standards we have for a face or body.
Moreover, social media has created ways for us to improve ourselves the way the world sets the “standard” for beauty. Filters are now available in almost all social media apps. We can get lip fillers, teeth whiteners, face contours, and so much more because of these filters. There’s nothing wrong with its use; however, if people will see it as the standard instead of loving their skin and beauty, it will only create a lot of inner struggles.
2. We lose “real” human communication
Have you ever experienced being with someone physically, yet the other person spends more time on social media than talking and listening to you? Social media affects our relationship with other people. We tend to forget that personal human interaction is more valuable than a chat or facetime. It is easier for people to mask their true selves through social media apps, but when we talk to them personally, we can have that more intimate connection that social media cannot provide. Instead of focusing on having quality time with our loved ones, some will simply take pictures and let the world perceive that we are spending time with our family even if it might not be the real case.
3. Fear of missing out or FOMO
Social media apps inform us of the latest trend in fashion, entertainment, beauty, or cars. People may fear that they may not be updated with the latest trend if they will stop using social media. They wanted to relate with their friends in a conversation, and because of this, they may feel the constant urge to use social media to stay updated.
4. Sleep deprivation
Have you ever told yourself the “just ten more minutes” social media use then found yourself spending 2 hours instead? We will then wake up the next day with lesser energy because of sleep deprivation. Using social media before bedtime may affect our sleep because we might encounter “triggers” on the web that can make us feel anxious, thus making sleep harder than usual. The light from our phones may also cause our brains to continue being active rather than signaling our bodies to fall asleep.