Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
Imran Riaz urges followers to use VPN amid fears of YouTube ban یوٹیوب کریک ڈاؤن: عمران ریاض نے سبسکرائبرز کو وی پی این تیار رکھنے کو کہاCPJ demands Pakistan restore Ahmad Noorani's YouTube channel, end harassment of journalists سی پی جے کا مطالبہ: پاکستان احمد نورانی کا یوٹیوب چینل بحال کرے، صحافیوں کو ہراساں کرنا بند کرےOutcry as Dawn publishes op-ed by ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa ڈان اخبار میں سابق چیف جسٹس قاضی فائز عیسیٰ کا مضمون شائع کرنے پر شدید تنقیدPakistan's Flying Horse: How Samiullah Khan changed hockey forever پاکستان کا فلائنگ ہارس: سمیع اللہ خان نے ہاکی کو کیسے بدل دیاPFUJ honors journalists flogged in 1978 for defending press freedom جرنلسٹس جنہوں نے ضیاء کے آمرانہ دور کا مقابلہ کیا، انہیں پی ایف یو جے کا خراج تحسینIndian media declares war and defeats Pakistan—all without leaving the studio! ہندوستانی میڈیا نے جنگ کا اعلان کر دیا اور پاکستان کو شکست دے دی— سب اسٹوڈیو سے باہر نکلے بغیرIndia expands crackdown on Pakistani media, bans Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel ہندوستان نے نامور صحافی رانا مبشر کا یوٹیوب چینل بلاک کر دیا، پاکستانی میڈیا پر پابندیوں میں اضافہ NCHR and MMfD launch Fellowship to Empower Journalists on Digital Rights & Gender Inclusion این سی ایچ آر اور ایم ایم ایف ڈی نے صحافیوں کو ڈیجیٹل حقوق اور صنفی شمولیت پر بااختیار بنانے کے لیے فیلوشپ کا اعلان کر دیاPFUJ condemns 'black laws' and harassment on World Press Freedom Day پی ایف یو جے کا "سیاہ قوانین" اور ہراساں کرنے کی مذمت عالمی یوم آزادی صحافت پرDawn refutes fake report claiming TTP stole PAF F-16 jet ڈان نے ٹی ٹی پی کے ایف-16 چوری کرنے کی جھوٹی خبر کی تردید کر دیFreedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report اظہارِ رائے کی آزادی محدود، پیکا میں ترامیم سے میڈیا کو شدید دھچکا: رپورٹDawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric ڈان کی بھارتی میڈیا سے جنگی بیانیہ ترک کرنے کی اپیل

Exploring the impact of social media on mental health

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published July 18, 2024 |  Dr. Emily Hartman

Join our WhatsApp channel

Exploring the impact of social media on mental health

NEW YORK—In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok allow us to connect with friends and family, share experiences, and access a wealth of information. However, the omnipresence of social media has also sparked concerns about its impact on mental health. This article delves into recent studies and expert opinions to explore how social media use affects psychological well-being.

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media
Social media can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it provides opportunities for social connection, support, and community building, especially for individuals who may feel isolated in their offline lives. On the other hand, excessive use and exposure to certain types of content can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Recent Studies on Social Media and Mental Health
Increased Anxiety and Depression: A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and loneliness in participants. The researchers attributed these findings to reduced exposure to social comparison and negative interactions.

Sleep Disruption: Research from the Sleep Foundation indicates that excessive social media use, particularly before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns. Poor sleep quality is closely linked to various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

Cyberbullying and Self-Esteem: A report by the Pew Research Center highlighted that adolescents who experience cyberbullying are at a higher risk of developing low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. The anonymity provided by social media platforms can sometimes facilitate negative behaviors such as bullying and harassment.

Positive Effects of Online Support Groups: Not all findings are negative. A study in the American Journal of Health Promotion revealed that online support groups and communities can provide significant emotional support and improve mental health outcomes for individuals dealing with chronic illnesses or mental health conditions.

Expert Opinions
Experts emphasize the importance of a balanced approach to social media use. Dr. John Torous, a psychiatrist and director of the Digital Psychiatry Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, advocates for digital literacy and mindfulness. "Being aware of how social media affects your mood and mental state is crucial," says Dr. Torous. "Setting boundaries and taking regular breaks can help mitigate negative impacts."

Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychologist and author of "iGen," suggests that parents play an active role in monitoring their children's social media use. "Encouraging real-world interactions and limiting screen time can promote healthier development," she advises.

Practical Tips for Healthier Social Media Use
Set Time Limits: Use built-in app features to monitor and limit your daily social media usage.
Curate Your Feed: Follow accounts that inspire and uplift you, and unfollow or mute those that trigger negative emotions.
Take Regular Breaks: Schedule regular social media detox periods to recharge and focus on offline activities.
Engage Mindfully: Be intentional with your interactions and avoid passive scrolling.
Seek Support: If social media negatively impacts your mental health, consider talking to a mental health professional.

Social media is an undeniable force in today's world, with both positive and negative effects on mental health. By understanding these impacts and adopting healthier habits, we can enjoy the benefits of social media while safeguarding our mental well-being. As research continues to evolve, staying informed and proactive will be key to navigating the digital landscape responsibly.

About the author: Dr. Emily Hartman is a clinical psychologist and mental health researcher with experience in studying the effects of digital media on psychological well-being. She is passionate about promoting mental health awareness in the digital age.

Imran Riaz urges followers to use VPN amid fears of YouTube ban

Imran Riaz urges followers to use VPN amid fears of YouTube ban

 May 20, 2025:  Popular journalist Imran Riaz Khan advises subscribers to use VPN as Pakistan plans to ban several YouTube channels including his with 5.86 million followers.

CPJ demands Pakistan restore Ahmad Noorani's YouTube channel, end harassment of journalists

CPJ demands Pakistan restore Ahmad Noorani's YouTube channel, end harassment of journalists

 May 19, 2025:  CPJ urges Pakistan to restore Ahmad Noorani’s blocked YouTube channel and stop harassing his family. The journalist could face three-year jail under cybercrime laws amid escalating media crackdown.

Outcry as Dawn publishes op-ed by ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa

Outcry as Dawn publishes op-ed by ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa

 May 15, 2025:  Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.

PFUJ honors journalists flogged in 1978 for defending press freedom

PFUJ honors journalists flogged in 1978 for defending press freedom

 May 12, 2025:  PFUJ pays tribute to journalists flogged under General Zia’s martial law in 1978, vowing to resist modern censorship and uphold press freedom in Pakistan.

Indian media declares war and defeats Pakistan—all without leaving the studio!

Indian media declares war and defeats Pakistan—all without leaving the studio!

 May 09, 2025:  In a bizarre media meltdown, Indian TV channels declared war on Pakistan, claimed imaginary victories and pushed fake narratives—leaving even Indian viewers stunned and apologetic.

India expands crackdown on Pakistani media, bans Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel

India expands crackdown on Pakistani media, bans Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel

 May 05, 2025:  India has banned prominent Pakistani journalist Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel, expanding its crackdown on 16 other Pakistani media outlets. The move follows accusations of "false narratives" against India.

PFUJ condemns 'black laws' and harassment on World Press Freedom Day

PFUJ condemns 'black laws' and harassment on World Press Freedom Day

 May 03, 2025:  Pakistan's press freedom under severe threat as PFUJ condemns repressive laws and systematic journalist harassment on World Press Freedom Day. Union reports journalist killings, financial targeting, and government failure to implement safety measures.

Dawn refutes fake report claiming TTP stole PAF F-16 jet

Dawn refutes fake report claiming TTP stole PAF F-16 jet

 May 02, 2025:  Dawn has strongly denied publishing any report claiming that TTP stole a PAF F-16 fighter jet, labeling the viral screenshot as fake and digitally manipulated.

Newsroom
Imran Riaz urges followers to use VPN amid fears of YouTube ban

Imran Riaz urges followers to use VPN amid fears of YouTube ban

 May 20, 2025 Popular journalist Imran Riaz Khan advises subscribers to use VPN as Pakistan plans to ban several YouTube channels including his with 5.86 million followers.

CPJ demands Pakistan restore Ahmad Noorani's YouTube channel, end harassment of journalists

CPJ demands Pakistan restore Ahmad Noorani's YouTube channel, end harassment of journalists

 May 19, 2025 CPJ urges Pakistan to restore Ahmad Noorani’s blocked YouTube channel and stop harassing his family. The journalist could face three-year jail under cybercrime laws amid escalating media crackdown.

219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, PJS reports

219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, PJS reports

 May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.

Outcry as Dawn publishes op-ed by ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa

Outcry as Dawn publishes op-ed by ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa

 May 15, 2025 Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.

Pakistan's Flying Horse: How Samiullah Khan changed hockey forever

Pakistan's Flying Horse: How Samiullah Khan changed hockey forever

 May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.