Social media is a popular topic of study amongst social scientists. There has been a substantial amount of research that emphasizes the fact that social media usage can negatively impact the psychological health of its users. However, there should be a prescribed extent beyond which social media should be avoided. People should set their own limits to get the benefits out of it, says one of the research studies.

Healthy vs. potentially harmful usage of social media

Research scientists Mesfin Awoke Bekalu, Rachel McCloud, and Vish Viswanath, of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health conducted a study that  assessed  two dimensions of social media usage  – (i) how emotionally connected users of social media platforms are (ii) how much of social media is used on a routine basis. Their research pointed out that those individuals who are mindful users of social media do not have any problem even with routine use. So, if one has self-regulating behaviours then routine usage helps in social connectedness which in fact is good for any social human being. 

Mindful usage means leveraging on the benefits

The research study of Bekalu, McCloud and Vishwanath emphasizes the fact that we human beings require a strong social network. This accentuates our overall wellbeing and mental health. Before the pandemic we were so busy in our daily lives that we hardly had time to connect face-to-face with our near and dear ones. With pandemic came home isolation. At that time too in-person connection was something that could not be thought of. Social media platforms have been helpful in both these circumstances to overcome the barriers of distance and time. It has allowed all the people to connect and reconnect. 

So the crux of the issue is that using social media is not bad, it is for how long and how frequently we use it that determines whether it is good or bad for mental health. Use it judiciously. It's just like food, an appropriate amount of consumption is good for health, if you over consume it starts getting harmful.