How Social Media Affects Brain Function
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.2573Keywords:
mental health, social media, ADHD, anxietyAbstract
Social media has taken over many people's lives. More than half of the world’s population uses it, with a large percentage being teenagers. Although social media can have benefits, it has many negative implications, and people take several risks when using the platforms. Several studies test the way social media has affected attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, attention issues, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. This review provides evidence that social media could harm a person’s mental health. The studies summarized suggest that social media may be the cause of an increase in ADHD symptoms, attention issues, anxiety, and depression symptoms, as well as sleep disturbance. Altogether, these studies indicate that social media negatively impacts a person’s mental health. However, more research should be done to better understand the intricacies of the relationship between social media and mental health, which further the knowledge about the relationship. Because of the widespread use of social media, understanding how it can negatively impact a person’s mental health has become a necessity.
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