Social Media Impacts: Positive and Negative

Is there an ideal number of “friends” or connections individuals have on Facebook that can improve their mental health?

I believe that a lower number of friends on Facebook or other social media platforms is better for each individual's mental health. Scrolling through posts of others, if not close friends, is a big  problem starter for things like body dysmorphia, depression, and anxiety. Sticking with close friends on platforms like these is a smarter idea and overall healthier for yourself emotionally. 

What factors might influence whether Facebook has negative influences, like links with depression, versus positive results, such as boosts in self-esteem? 

Individuals are so drawn to the idea of being the best that they can be, or the get the closest that they can to "perfect" more often than not. Scrolling through pictures that are showing people "living their best life" often affects people's thought process on their own life negatively. Social media does an amazing job at only showing the best parts of people's lives and none of the behind the scenes "real" parts of their lives like their struggles, problems, emotions, or hardships. Not ever seeing these parts of peoples lives on social media can severely impact a person's confidence in themselves. 

Even though most of the time social media has a negative impact on mental health, there are some positive outlooks on these platforms as well. It all depends on the post. Social media is also a great way to make a positive impact, like information on fundraisers and community outreach groups, motivational quotes, communicating with friends, and much more! Although, sticking to only these things on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or Twitter can be a very hard task, which is why it is better to stick to lower numbers of people on these sites. 

How Social Media Affects Mental Health