Social Media is a wonderful way to stay connected with your peers on a 24/7 basis. Whether that’s through text message, communicating through Facebook or sending out a tweet, you are in constant contact with those around you.
In fact, there are health benefits, especially for seniors when it comes to social media.
According to leisurecare.com, below are 6 examples of how social media can have a positive effect on seniors:
- Social Media is an easy way to stay connected with long-distance friends and family.
- Social Media can forge new relationships.
- Inspire civic engagement.
- Social Media is educational.
- Social Media can lead to new business ventures.
- Entertainment.
To read the full article, visit this link: https://www.leisurecare.com/resources/benefits-of-social-media-for-seniors/
While we have talked about the positives of social media, it’s important to see that social media can have a negative effect, too.
Though social media is a sure-fire way of staying connected, it’s easy to feel disconnected at the same time. The dangerous compulsion to be “locked-in” at all times online can be exhausting, lonely and bad for your mental health. According to the Centre for Mental Health, “The ‘urge’ to check one’s social media may be linked to both instant gratification (the need to experience fast, short term pleasure) and dopamine production (the chemical in the brain associated with reward and pleasure). The desire for a ‘hit’ of dopamine, coupled with a failure to gain instant gratification, may prompt users to perpetually refresh their social media feeds.” Meaning, we can literally crave and be addicted to the internet.
Let’s use an example. When scrolling through Facebook, you see all kinds of posts, ie: political, funny quotes, blog posts, quizzes, family photos, etc. If you were a young adult and decided to post a picture of yourself and it didn’t get near the amount of “likes” as a friend in class, how would you feel? That is where the problem of social media lies. People, and more specifically young adults, are using social media as a tool to measure popularity. The more “likes” or “thumbs up” they get, the better off they think they are.
Social Media is a great way to stay connected, but it is not a popularity contest. Being a good person has nothing to do with your presence online, but rather who you are as a person. Being a good friend, being a shoulder to lean on, helping those in need – that’s what matters. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the internet can be a great place to gather information, but you should never have the, “fear of missing out” or as millennial’s call it – FOMO. If you see a group of friends out together on a Saturday night and you are at home in your pajamas, that’s okay! Do what is good for you and your mental health. Do what makes YOU happy!
In addition, there is so much in the world to explore, and so many people to meet face-to-face. I urge you to make small changes to limit the use of technology and have good, solid relationships. For example, instead of using FaceTime or Skype to connect with a friend, go out for coffee. Instead of ordering take out from your phone and bringing it home, sit in the restaurant and meet new people! There are so many small tweaks you can make to limit the use of technology.
Finally, Technologyworks.com had 3 wonderful tips to keep in mind in regard to Social Media:
Be an active user instead of a passive user. Instead of just scrolling, actively comment, post and like other content.
Limit social media use at least an hour before falling asleep. Getting enough sleep is one of the most protective factors for mental health. Be intentional.
Look at your motivations for engaging with social media in the first place.
As a takeaway, social media is and can be used as a very powerful tool, but use it for good! Be mindful as you are scrolling through social media and if you feel yourself getting down, take a break and get some fresh air – you deserve it!
Sources:
https://www.leisurecare.com/resources/benefits-of-social-media-for-seniors/