Social Media and Emotion

Social Media and Emotion

If you find that social media like Facebook and Twitter leaves you feeling anxious or uncomfortable, you are not alone. In the past few years, studies of social media usage have found social media changes behavior in 53% of participants and of those 51% said the change was negative.

Dr. Shannon M. Rauch, of Benedictine University at Mesa, AZ told Medical News Today, “This problem has definitely gained recent attention. We know that many people on social media sites often present idealized versions of their lives, leading others to make upward social comparisons, which can lead to negative emotions.”

The pressure to perform, as well as concerns over the lives of others and an increasing trend toward social media addiction can have real impact on people with certain conditions like depression and anxiety. While social media can also be a good way to keep in touch with family and friends, if you find yourself feeling badly during or after social media use, it’s worth reevaluating its value in your life.

Learn more about the research into social media and emotion in Medical News Today.