Introduction
The advent of social media applications has completely positively changed people’s lives. Today, users can find any information of interest through the worldwide network without leaving home. Most of the people’s working and entertainment spheres such as business, music, works of literature, communities of interest, and news are centered on social media. These platforms have significantly reshaped the understanding of communication and the process of self-identification in society. The mental health of users is often positively impacted by social media-related influences. Social media positively affect people’s mental health, self-esteem, self-identification, and general moral development.
Psychological Impacts of Social Media
Socialization Process
In real life, not everyone has an opportunity to be a part of a particular group. Often people may feel invisible, unwanted, and alone because of difficult life situations. Social networks provide a chance for people to express their points of view and be noticed and accepted. Thanks to this, people develop a connection with others even without direct face-to-face contact. The researchers define this process as benevolence, a feeling of mutual sympathy, contributing to forming communities based on trust and cooperation. Such emotions lead to the development of self-esteem and motivation (Quinn, 2018). Moreover, social media applications are the ideal platform for self-expression. Creative people actively use social media to promote their work. As a result, social media provides more advanced access to art allowing integration with different communities. Thanks to that, people have the opportunity to broaden their worldview, which contributes to their moral and social development.
Self-identification and Self-esteem
Another positive aspect of social networking is connected with self-realization opportunities. Social networks give people the chance to work remotely (Quinn, 2018). Various platforms provide creators with opportunities to advertise services and open online stores. In addition, promoting a business on the Internet is much easier and more efficient. Thus, social media provides more advanced career and business opportunities allowing people not only to earn money but also develop in their field of interest (Quinn, 2018). Considering the above factors, people have higher chances for stable personal development and job opportunities contributing to better mental health.
Opposite Side: Negative Impacts
Social media can also negatively affect the users’ mental health. Considering the negative consequences can help design the method to counter social-media-related mental problems. One of the significant negative impacts of social media on mental health is the distorted view of reality. Today people have difficulties identifying reliable information on the Internet. As a result, they form the wrong opinion about success and life values. However, compared to the improvements in mental health and the ethical development of the users, the mentioned problems are less significant. These issues can be resolved through the establishment of priorities in real-life communication. People can use social networking resources to find beauty in the real world. Social media is one of the most vital elements in the process of socializing. Through social media, people learn how to be a part of the community, understand their place in life and develop ethically.
Conclusion
Social media have many positive impacts on the mental health of users. Positive influences include the development of benevolence and improvements in self-esteem. Moreover, the making the art resource more accessible, social media contributes to the moral development of the users. E-commerce provides more business opportunities online, allowing people to develop their careers more efficiently. As a result, their self-esteem and self-identification may be improved. Today, life is practically impossible without social networking and social media.
Reference
Quinn, S. (2018). Positive aspects of social media. In A. Alison, C. Fullwood, M. Keep, and D. J. Kuss (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology. Oxford University Press.