Social media overuse can weaken life purpose, mental health expert warns

Social media has become a daily habit for millions of people, offering a space to connect, share information, and follow global events. However, when online activity begins to outweigh real-life responsibilities and relationships, it can negatively affect mental wellbeing, according to clinical psychotherapist Celestin Mutuyimana. ALSO READ: How social media can be a tool for or against depression Mutuyimana said social media has many benefits and should not be viewed as entirely negative. It serves as a source of information, fosters global connections, helps combat loneliness, and provides inspiration by exposing people to new ideas. ALSO READ: When social media turns love into a battle He noted that many people find a sense of belonging through online communities. However, problems arise when individuals fail to balance their online and offline lives. “Social media is like a family; it provides all those things, but nobody can be effective if they stay at home all the time. People need to take what they learn at home and apply it in real life for their own benefit,” the psychotherapist stated. ALSO READ: Why parent-managed social media profiles for children? Just as family members are expected to contribute to the wellbeing of the household, he believes social media users should also reflect on how they engage online. “The questions people should ask themselves are: What do I contribute to this family? What do I benefit from it? When should I be in this family, and when should I be in other communities?” he said. ALSO READ: Digital childhood, diminished focus: A threat to human capital According to Mutuyimana, social media begins to affect mental wellbeing when people lose control over how they use it. He explained that when this balance is lost, social media ends up using people instead of people using social media. This can lead to addiction, procrastination, and withdrawal from meaningful relationships. It can also become a source of unhealthy comparison. “People may feel they have nothing when they compare themselves to others,” he said. Mutuyimana identified loss of self-awareness as one of the most common mental health challenges associated with heavy social media use. “The most common challenge is loss of self-awareness, losing meaning in life, and losing interest in people. This can contribute to conditions such as internet addiction and depression. “People no longer think about their goals and purpose. They feel lost and believe they have no control over their lives,” he said. For young people, comparison on social media is not always harmful. It can be useful when it encourages positive imitation and learning from others. However, he believes many young people are not comparing themselves in order to learn, but instead focus on what they do not have. “They want to take what they do not have. That is why they start feeling useless and develop low self-confidence,” he said. Mutuyimana said young people should learn to use comparison as a tool for growth rather than competition, focusing on lessons they can learn from others instead of measuring their worth against what they see online.

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Social media overuse can weaken life purpose, mental health expert warns