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What role does social media play in our pursuit of happiness, and is it ultimately detrimental to our mental health?

Tyquan Maass

Social media has undoubtedly become intertwined with our daily lives, and it plays a significant role in shaping our perception of happiness. There is no doubt that social media has its benefits, and many individuals have reported using it as a means of staying connected with family and friends, the primary source of joy and happiness in their lives. With the advent of social media, we can stay connected to everyone we know, right from the comfort of our homes or wherever we are. But there are also some reports that suggest social media's overuse can be detrimental to our mental health.

For starters, social media platforms have a way of portraying someone else's life as picture-perfect. The curated posts and photos we see on social media are often the best moments of someone's life, and it's easy to bet swept up in a world of comparison and envy, thinking that our own lives pale in comparison. Studies have shown that individuals that spend significant amounts of time on social media often report feeling unhappy or dissatisfied with their lives, as they constantly compare themselves to others and the "perfect" lives they portray online.

Another concerning aspect of social media is the addictive nature of it. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are designed to keep us scrolling for hours on end, as we consume more and more content. The constant notifications, likes, and comments on our posts can make us feel like social media is the only place we can find happiness and validation. However, this type of validation is short-lived, and it contributes to unrealistic expectations of how we should feel or look. It can be challenging to find true happiness when we are always seeking validation in the virtual world, and it becomes a never-ending cycle of "likes" and "followers."

In conclusion, social media can play a positive or negative role in our pursuit of happiness. It is up to us to take control of our social media usage, and not let it control us. We should focus on spending time on activities that bring us joy and fulfillment in the long-term rather than seeking validation and happiness in social media. By striking a healthy balance between our online and offline lives, we can prevent social media from being detrimental to our mental health and keep our pursuit of happiness genuine and fulfilling.