These Are The Limits On Social Media Use And Their Impact If Excessive

Social media (Erik Lucatero-Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Social media is now a fun and easily accessible entertainment anytime and anywhere as long as there is internet quota and a good signal. You can find a variety of content, from entertaining to educational there.

However, many people are sometimes lulled by social media to the point of spending hours a day in front of their cellphones.

Actually, is there a reasonable limit on the time to use social media?

Philip Cushman, a psychotherapist with the California School of Professional Psychology, recommends that you limit your use of social media to around 30 minutes to an hour per day.

Another study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology says that 30 minutes of social media use a day promotes better mental health.

Limiting social media in everyday life is important. Until now, there are no standard rules regarding the use of social media. Considering a person's emotional and psychological condition also differs from social media content. So you could say, you are the one who can determine these limits.

It's okay to play social media, but don't interfere with other important activities such as work and rest. Balance is key.

According to various studies, overuse of social media can have a negative impact on mental health.

Research from the University of Pittsburgh found that people who were overly active on social media every day had three times the risk of depression when compared to people who rarely used it.

The interesting thing that makes people addicted to social media is of course the content in it. You can even learn a lot of things that users share, for example tips on managing finances, tips on dressing and makeup, home decor inspiration, tips on caring for plants, or just information about discounts.

You can also follow people who are called influencers to get information in their respective fields. Even though we don't mean to show off, the lives of influencers that seem fun often make us compare ourselves.

It's as simple as the fashion influencers who often take pictures in branded clothes or the travel influencers who often travel to nice places and stay at luxury hotels.

Some of us may have thought why their life looks so beautiful and filled with pleasure that we are hard to get.

Especially coupled with people who clearly show off their wealth starting from the latest cellphones, luxury car collections, billions of watches, account balances, even the contents of the house that amaze you.

People whose lives are normal, under certain conditions, will feel less fortunate and vulnerable to feelings of envy and discouragement. Over time, your mental health is shaken, you are dissatisfied with what is there, and then your self-confidence lowers.

If at this time your mind starts to be disturbed by unsettling content on social media, you should consider limiting yourself, even taking a break from cyberspace.

To distract you, you can be more active in real life, like chatting with friends, visiting family, or just hanging out without paying attention to social media.