Abuse of social networks and the Internet can have negative effects on the psyche and overall quality of life, notes Yulia Glukhova, a leading psychiatrist at the Semeynaya network of clinics, in a discussion with socialbites.ca.
Possible consequences include the development of addiction to social networks and the Internet, which often leads to a lower quality of life for those affected. Individuals with internet addiction may spend most of their time online, neglecting pursuits they enjoy, miss out on learning, and forgo hobbies, travel, sports, and meaningful interactions with loved ones and friends.
Additionally, relying on online communication rather than face-to-face interaction can hinder the development of essential social skills. This is especially risky for children and teenagers, whose social abilities are still forming.
Excessive Internet use and exposure to various negative online stimuli can increase stress and general anxiety, disrupting emotional equilibrium, the doctor explains.
The impact is particularly strong on the minds of children and adolescents. School performance can decline when youngsters spend excessive time on devices instead of studying and engaging with the school curriculum. Those who join destructive online communities or suffer from cyberbullying face higher risks of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, and even self-harm.
To harness the positive aspects of social networks and the Internet while avoiding harm, it is important to balance online time with real-life activities. Recommendations include keeping daily screen time in check, with allowances varying by age for children, and limiting exposure to negative content to reduce its adverse effects on mental health, the psychiatrist emphasizes.
It is essential to build healthy routines that protect mental and physical well-being. This involves structured offline activities, critical viewing of online material, and open conversations with family and friends to support resilient habits in the digital age — a reality shared by many healthcare professionals across North America. — attribution: Semeynaya clinics.