In today’s interconnected world, social media has become an undeniable part of daily life for most Malaysians. By early 2023, Malaysia had achieved a remarkable high Internet penetration rate of 96.8% of its total population, signifying how deeply digital platforms are woven into our social fabric. While social media offers unprecedented ways to connect, share, and learn, its profound influence on our mental health is a growing concern that warrants careful attention.
How Social Media Shapes Our Minds
Social media platforms are meticulously designed to capture and hold our attention. Features like endless scrolling, instant notifications, and the reward of “likes” and comments tap into fundamental psychological mechanisms, influencing our mood, self-perception, and behavior. While these mechanisms can foster connection, they can also inadvertently create vulnerabilities that impact our mental state. Understanding this inherent design is the first step to recognising how it affects us.
The Downside: Negative Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health
Despite its appeal, an over-reliance or unmindful use of social media can contribute to a range of negative mental health outcomes.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) & Anxiety
Social media platforms often present a curated highlight reel of others’ lives – vacations, achievements, and social gatherings. This constant exposure can trigger a powerful Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). Users might feel anxious that others are having more fun, achieving more, or living better lives than them, leading to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and dissatisfaction with their own circumstances. The compulsion to constantly check feeds for updates can also fuel general anxiety and restlessness, making it hard to relax or focus on real-world activities. This persistent state of worry can significantly impact overall mental well-being for individuals in KL and beyond.
Cyberbullying & Harassment
The anonymity and vast reach of social media can unfortunately create fertile ground for cyberbullying and online harassment. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can occur 24/7, reaching individuals in their homes and personal spaces, making escape difficult. Victims often experience severe emotional distress, shame, isolation, anxiety, and depression. For young adults and adolescents in Malaysia, who are highly active on these platforms, the impact of online harassment can be particularly devastating, affecting their self-esteem and even leading to thoughts of self-harm.
Addiction & Compulsive Use
The instant gratification and variable reward system inherent in social media platforms can lead to addictive behaviours and compulsive use. Users may find themselves spending excessive time scrolling, checking notifications, and posting, often at the expense of real-life responsibilities, sleep, or face-to-face interactions. Signs of social media addiction can include:
- A persistent urge to check social media.
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to access platforms.
- Ignoring work, studies, or personal relationships.
- Using social media as a primary coping mechanism for negative emotions. This compulsive engagement can disrupt daily life and exacerbate underlying mental health issues.
Who is Most Vulnerable to Negative Impacts?
While social media can affect anyone, certain groups may be particularly susceptible to its negative impacts:
- Adolescents and Young Adults: Still developing their identities and social skills, they are highly influenced by peer perception and external validation, making them more vulnerable to comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO.
- Individuals with Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions: Those already struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or body image issues may find their symptoms exacerbated by social media use.
- Heavy Users: Individuals who spend many hours daily on social media, especially passively consuming content, tend to report lower levels of well-being.
- Those Prone to Social Comparison: People who naturally compare themselves to others are at higher risk of negative emotional outcomes when exposed to curated online lives.
When to Seek Professional Help
Recognising the signs that social media might be negatively impacting your mental health is crucial. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that professional support may be beneficial:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, or irritability linked to social media use.
- Difficulty cutting down on social media time, despite wanting to.
- Neglecting work, studies, or social activities in favour of online engagement.
- Significant disruptions to sleep patterns due to social media.
- Intense feelings of envy, inadequacy, or obsession with online appearances.
- Experiencing panic attacks, severe anxiety, or depression after using social media.
- Withdrawing from real-life interactions and preferring online connections exclusively.
At Amarantine Clinic in Kuala Lumpur, our team of experienced psychiatrists understands the complexities of mental health in the digital age. We offer compassionate, confidential, and comprehensive assessments to help you understand the roots of your struggles and develop personalized strategies for better mental well-being. Whether it’s navigating anxiety, depression, or compulsive digital habits, we are here to support your journey towards a healthier relationship with technology and a more fulfilling life.
Don’t let social media control your mental health. Reach out to Amarantine Clinic today for a confidential consultation.
Resources:
1. UKM, A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON MENTAL HEALTH IN MALAYSIA.
