Expert arguments saying our reliance on social media can become a dangerous addiction altering our moods, our thoughts and how we conduct our relationships picked up a little more ammunition recently with a British study reporting one in five UK shoppers would go on using Instagram even if it diminished their mental health.
The study originated with Ocean Finance, the UK-based consumer loan firm. Their teams hit Britain’s retail spots and asked shoppers to explore how their time on social media interacts with their financial and, more importantly, their mental health.
A new UK survey reports many Brits would stay on Instagram even if it drove them out of their minds.
The results say about 20% would refuse to step away from Instagram and delete the app even if it was having some kind of damaging effect on their mental health. The questions do not specify if that negative impact would be depression, anxiety, decreased self-esteem, etc.
The fact that excessive social media use can cause mental problems is not a recent discovery. Sources ranging far and wide from the Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace to AddictionCenter.com warn against the potential damages of unrelenting reliance on social media platforms. This report garnered attention for finding one in five of those sampled openly admitted they would risk their mental health to stay active on their social apps. Such results suggest FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) by failing to see something on Instagram can drive people so hard they would rather fall ill than find themselves left out of the loop.
The Ocean Finance study took the extra step of analyzing how social media influencers altered health and spending habits. Identifying 50 of those influencers with more than 30 million followers, they asked survey takers about the products the online celebrities endorse.
The results seem contradictory. While 75% don’t trust influencers to advertise the best products for wellbeing, one in five spend at least £100 on health products regularly if an influencer endorses them. So, while most don’t seem sold on influencer wisdom, those who are dig deep into their average consumer wallet.
A new UK study proposes there is a percentage of people who use social media at great risk.
Rather than leave those reporting social-media addiction at Instagram’s mercy, Ocean Finance signed up UK mental health charity Mind to offer suggestions on how to protect against mental illness’ unchecked ravages. They include:
- Walk daily to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Arrange to meet family and friends on a regular basis.
- Cook dinner from new, healthy recipes.
- Book time off work and take a break.
- Make time for breakfast in the morning.
- Try new hobbies, like painting or writing.
- Finish a challenging DIY project at home.
- Volunteer with your local community center.
- Don’t be afraid to get help from a mental health charity.
Strangely, the suggestion to get away from social media for a while does not appear.
