Duncan CJ: Does social media decrease our happiness?
AI: Research on the relationship between social media and happiness is ongoing and complex. Some studies have found that social media use can have a negative impact on happiness, while others have found no significant impact or even a positive impact.
One way that social media use can negatively impact happiness is by promoting feelings of social comparison. Social media often presents an idealized and curated version of people’s lives, and seeing others’ highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and low self-esteem. Additionally, social media can also create a feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out), leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Another potential negative impact is that social media use can be associated with increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. These feelings can come from constant connection, fear of missing out and negative comments, among other things.
On the other hand, some studies have found that social media can have a positive impact on well-being. It can help people feel more connected to others, particularly those who are socially isolated, and can provide a source of support during difficult times. Additionally, social media can provide opportunities for self-expression, promote self-esteem and self-validation, and help people find and connect with like-minded individuals.
It’s important to note that social media use is a complex and multifaceted behavior, and different people may have different experiences with it. Factors such as personality, social context, and the specific ways in which social media is used can also play a role in determining its impact on well-being. A healthy balance of social media use and real-life social interactions can help to minimize negative effects and promote positive ones.