Experts highlight dual impact of social media on mental health and social behaviour
Muscat: Social media has become an integral part of daily life for many, significantly affecting mental health, social interactions, and individual behaviour, according to mental health professionals in Oman.
Dr Basma bint Fakhri Al Said, a mental health expert and PTSD trainer, stated that social media can strengthen communication and emotional connection by allowing users to share achievements and form friendships based on common interests. She added that virtual communities can provide a supportive environment for individuals experiencing anxiety or depression, helping reduce feelings of loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging.
However, Dr Basma cautioned against relying on follower counts when seeking psychological advice online. She stressed the need to consult qualified specialists and warned of the dangers of comparing one's life to others on social media, which can lead to anxiety and unhealthy usage patterns. To reduce dependency, she advised setting time limits, engaging in real-world activities, and seeking therapy to address deeper issues.
Dr Basma also highlighted how over-reliance on digital communication can erode social skills, increase isolation, and promote unrealistic standards and values through certain types of content. She warned that such content could influence beliefs and behaviours, leading to poor decision-making and psychological stress.
Samra bint Saeed Al Maashari, a psychologist at the Ministry of Social Development, emphasised the positive potential of social media as a platform for continuous communication, relationship building, and participation in social and cultural events. She said that it can enhance communication skills, foster friendships, and provide emotional support through shared experiences and virtual communities.
Nonetheless, Al Maashari acknowledged the platform's darker side, including increased anxiety and depression due to social comparison, exposure to cyberbullying, and decreased self-esteem. Excessive use can also lead to sleep disturbances, reduced productivity, and the erosion of real-life interactions, particularly among children exposed to inappropriate content.
She proposed several measures to reduce the impact of social media addiction, such as limiting screen time, engaging in offline hobbies and social activities, and avoiding negative content. She also advocated for psychological interventions, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy, and group support sessions, to help individuals regain balance and control over their digital habits.
Al Maashari pointed out that social media can alter traditional social norms and behaviours, encouraging virtual over face-to-face interaction. She noted that exposure to consumerist and culturally conflicting content could distort values and self-image, especially when idealised lifestyles are portrayed online. Misinformation and the creation of false digital identities, she added, can further affect users' thinking and emotional wellbeing.
Fatima bint Amer Al Sunaidi, a counselling and guidance specialist at the Student Counselling Centre at Sultan Qaboos University, highlighted how social media has reshaped the nature of relationships. She noted that while platforms reduce physical distances and facilitate communication, they have also led to the rise of virtual communities that offer social and psychological support.
Al Sunaidi explained that these communities help reduce isolation and allow individuals to share personal experiences and feel understood. She emphasised the importance of mental health professionals providing scientifically sound content and using these platforms to raise awareness about mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress.
She also underlined the risks of 'social comparison,' a psychological process whereby individuals evaluate themselves against idealised depictions of others' lives online. This, she said, often distorts self-perception and leads to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.
Al Sunaidi called for increased digital awareness, especially among students, and urged educational institutions to promote critical thinking, authentic relationships, and balanced social media usage. She also highlighted the benefits of mindfulness practices, the role of families and schools in guiding responsible digital behaviour, and the need for psychological support units at universities.
She warned that overuse of social media has escalated into behavioural addiction in many societies, impacting sleep, productivity, and emotional stability. While acknowledging the platforms' potential to promote values such as dialogue and tolerance, she stressed the need for responsible content creation, media literacy, and institutional efforts to safeguard psychological wellbeing.
Al Sunaidi concluded that directed negative content—ranging from fake news and hate speech to unrealistic lifestyle portrayals—can manipulate public perception and influence decision-making. To counter this, she advocated for comprehensive media education, stronger critical thinking skills, and increased self-awareness to help individuals discern and resist harmful content online.
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