EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN SHRINKING BRAIN AND HOW TO PREVENT IT

HIGHLIGHTS

• There are reports about social media reducing the brain size.

• There are ways to prevent the harmful effects of social media.

• There are experts on HelloDr to provide counseling regarding measures to overcome social media addiction.

• BEGAL can assess the brainwaves and detect signs of anxiety caused by social media addiction if any.

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, with billions of people spending hours scrolling through their feeds every day. While social media has many benefits, such as staying connected with friends and family, staying informed about current events, and having access to a wealth of information, it also has some negative effects on our mental and physical health, including shrinking the brain. 

 

How Social Media affects your Mental Well-being

 

Research indicates that the more time someone spends on their phone or laptop engaging in activities such as checking email or updating status updates can, also reduces grey matter volume in certain brain regions responsible for cognitive functioning. The reduced grey matter may be due to decreased activity in those areas or due to dropped neuronal connections between these regions. This could further impact cognitive performance, such as poor memory recall and slower decision-making processes.

 

In addition, some studies suggest that social media use may increase cortisol levels, hormones released during times of stress that impact our physical and mental well-being. If left unchecked, increased cortisol levels can weaken our immune system, leading to fatigue, depression, and anxiety issues over a longer period of time.

 

The first way in which social media affects the brain is by creating an environment of overstimulation. When people spend too much time on their phones, scrolling through news feeds, playing games, and chatting with friends, this can cause their brains to become overloaded with information and lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelmed. This ultimately leads to lower levels of focus and concentration as well as impaired decision-making skills.

 

The anterior cingulate cortex is responsible for regulating emotions and decision-making, while the hippocampus is responsible for memory and learning. Studies have shown that excessive social media affect the anterior cingulate cortex and the hippocampus. A reduction in gray matter volume in these areas can lead to a decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

 

Measures to Overcome Social Media Addiction

 

There are things that can be done to mitigate the harmful effects of social media.

 

Setting a limit on the use of mobile devices: To prevent the harmful effects from taking hold of one's mental health, it is important to be aware of how often you are using your phone or laptop for social media activities so that you can limit your usage if necessary. Setting dedicated “phone-free” periods during the day where you take a break from all technology is also a good idea, as this will help rejuvenate your brain after periods of extended use. Additionally, it is wise to supplement your digital activities with offline pursuits such as reading books or doing physical exercise, which will provide invaluable benefits to both your physical and mental health.

 

Using social media in moderation: It is important to practice moderation in social media use. One should set limits on the amount of time spent on social media each day and find other ways to fill the time, such as physical activity, reading, or spending time with friends and family. It is also important to be mindful of the content consumed on social media, as negativity and stress can negatively impact mental health.

 

Taking breaks: Taking breaks from social media and engaging in activities that promote mindfulness and relaxation, such as yoga, meditation, or nature walks, saves you from getting addicted to social media. These activities can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall mental wellbeing.

 

Balancing all kinds of relationships: Maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline relationships is also important. While social media can provide a platform for connecting with others, it is important to maintain real-life connections with friends, family, and community members. Spending time with loved ones in person, participating in group activities, and engaging in meaningful conversations can help reduce social media's negative effects on the brain and improve mental health.

 

Seeking professional help: One should seek professional help if he/she is experiencing negative effects from social media. A mental health professional can help you develop coping strategies and offer support and guidance as you navigate the digital world.

 

Find Experts on HelloDr to Figure Out Ways to Overcome Social Media Addiction

 

Social media platforms may offer increased connectivity and access to entertainment options. Still, it is important not to let ourselves become addicted or overwhelmed by them so that we do not suffer any long-term damage caused by excessive usage. By being mindful of how much time we spend online, we can avoid potential harm caused by reduced grey matter volume or heightened cortisol levels while still enjoying all the benefits digital technology has to offer us today.

 

To find experts who can help to overcome social media addiction, one can log in to HelloDr and search for psychologists who specialize in this. 

 

BEGAL can Detect Signs of Anxiety Caused by Excessive Social Media Use

 

HelloDr offers BEGAL to evaluate any possible damage to the brain BEGAL is an Electroencephalography (EEG) device. It measures the EEG signals and evaluates brainwaves by monitoring the brain's electrical activity. BEGAL can distinguish brainwaves from a healthy brain and brainwaves from a brain suffering from anxiety. Excessive use of social media causes anxiety. Positive changes in brainwaves due to the lowering of anxiety symptoms and negative feelings caused by anxiety can be assessed by measuring brainwaves. Click here to join the waiting list and place your purchase order to be a proud owner of the new BEGAL.