Social media platforms, designed to foster connections and communication, are increasingly causing anxiety and stress among users. The root cause is approval-seeking behaviour, with some users becoming obsessed with gaining likes, shares, and comments. This phenomenon, known as ‘like anxiety,’ is particularly prevalent among millennials and Generation Z users. The constant need for validation can lead to an unhealthy obsession with one’s online image, resulting in negative impacts on mental health.
Experts warn that such behaviour can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety, as well as feelings of inadequacy. It can also lead to an unhealthy comparison with others, fostering negative self-perceptions. The constant need for validation and approval can also result in excessive time spent online, further exacerbating the issue.
To combat this, some users are opting to take breaks from social media, while others are choosing to limit their time spent on these platforms. Experts recommend setting boundaries, such as designated offline times, to help manage social media use. The key to healthy social media use, they suggest, is balance and understanding that online interactions should not define one’s self-worth.
Go to source article: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/fashion/for-some-social-media-users-an-anxiety-from-approval-seeking.html?hp&_r=0