Gen Z’s addiction to social media

On an average day, Gen Z spends about nine hours on smartphones and over four hours on social media. Despite the internet’s exceptional benefits, spending too much time on phones and social media can have significant repercussions on physical and mental health.

Unhealthy, lengthy consumption of electronic devices has issues often neglected by individuals. Migraines, increased eye strain, OCD, mood disorders, and difficulty thinking are a few of the negative effects users feel after significantly long hours of online activity. Research demonstrates that spending excessive time on phones and social media frequently can also cause sleep deprivation. This is attributed to the light emitted by cell phone screens which affects the hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycle, creating difficulties in falling asleep and waking up the next day.

Youths spend excessive time on social media, which often leads to depression and anxiety. This can be caused by many factors, such as a fear of missing out where the user compulsively checks another’s online activity throughout the day. Adolescents and young adults also share the growing issue of comparing one another and setting unrealistic body standards online. This often manifests in social media posts of figures and faces that individuals yearn to achieve, lowering their self-esteem and increasing negative thoughts. These unresolved feelings and thoughts have often led to increased or beginning depression and anxiety.

Gen Z’s addiction to social media also leads to forgetful eating habits and limits physical activity. It is known that being physically active is crucial for the body to function normally. Being physically active improves brain health, helps manage weight, reduces the risk of attaining a disease, and improves the ability to do everyday activities. However, once this is significantly reduced or neglected in place of online consumption, it can cause issues of varying degrees and severity.

Ultimately, the types of repercussions social media can have on health are reasonably consequential. Although phones present a list of many efficiencies, everything is best in moderation. Health is crucial to prioritize through every scroll and click of devices

Written by Widelandine Emilcar | Graphic Designed by Widelandine Emilcar 

Published May 1, 2023 | ePathfinder | Feature