Social media and mental health

In short: Social media connect people but can promote pressure to compare, lack of sleep and constant distraction. What matters are duration and type of use.

In more detail: According to studies, passive scrolling tends to harm more than active exchange with friends.

In detail

• Social comparison: Polished images of others create unrealistic standards.
• Reward system: Likes and notifications activate the dopamine system; distraction and continuous use rise (aufmerksamkeit-und-multitasking).
• Sleep: Screen time before falling asleep disturbs it (schlafhygiene-besser-schlafen).
• FOMO: Fear of missing out.
• Cyberbullying: Take attacks online seriously (cybermobbing-erkennen-handeln-und-vorbeugen).
• Healthy use: Time limits, notifications off, follow consciously, phone-free times.
• Warning signs: Withdrawal, irritability, bad mood after use.
• Help: Conversations, counselling services; telephone helpline (Germany) 0800 111 0 111.