Impact of Social Media on Mental Health and Self-Esteem

Social networks have greatly changed how we stay connected but people worry about their harmful effects on psychological health and personal worth. Social media tools let people connect and share themselves on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok while also creating difficulties for mental wellness. People face repeated exposure to carefully crafted filtered content from other social media users. This pattern of comparing ourselves to others creates feelings of unworthiness, a damaged self-image, and nervousness. Users develop wrong expectations of themselves when they view online photos that look flawless yet represent only a small portion of anyone's existence. Social media makes it easier for people to bully others online, which changes their victims' mood and mental state until they avoid social contact. Too much time spent on screens and being addicted to social media take away from real conversation while making it harder to focus at night and increasing stress. Social media serves as both a space to help people learn about mental health while meeting new friends and sharing personal experiences. The social network brings people together with groups that help them find important resources. To reduce social media's negative impact, people must use technology wisely, take digital breaks, and support positive content online. Living healthily between digital and real-world experiences ensures strong mental health and self-esteem during our online life.