A new mental disorder: social media unhappiness

The vast majority of people spend a considerable number of hours a day on social networks. These platforms have become a favorite pastime and seem to offer an endless stream of entertainment. However, they can also be responsible for problems related to self-esteem, lack of concentration and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Sometimes, the use of social networks can lead to unhappiness.

This statement is not categorical nor should it be generalized. It is true that social networks offer benefits, just as it is also true that their disadvantages depend to a large extent on the use each individual makes of them and his or her level of awareness of the risks involved. If, however, you experience more apathy, anxiety or loneliness since social networks have become ubiquitous, you should know that you are not alone and that this has an explanation.

Understanding this type of unhappiness

The infinite contents have the capacity to completely absorb individuals, leading them to a disconnection from reality through images and sounds. This immersion is so deep that a passive posture is adopted, where awareness of what is being observed fades and no information is retained.

This phenomenon is called dissociation and, on certain occasions, can evoke pleasurable emotions. For example, it can provide a sense of mental relief in times of stress. However, on many occasions, this disconnection from social networks leads to feelings of guilt and frustration, as the impression is created of having wasted time and remorse is experienced for the lack of productivity.

Social networks are constantly present on cell phones, which facilitates a permanent connection and encourages impulsive and compulsive use of these devices. This situation causes difficulties in concentration and self-control, which can result in an addiction that leads to dissatisfaction and decreased productivity.

Social networks make people unhappy. This is clearly demonstrated by a large number of academic studies. The more time people spent interacting with Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, among others, the more their affective (how they feel) and cognitive (how satisfied they are with their life) well-being decreased.

Social media platforms are intricately designed to keep users engaged and scrolling through their content. Many individuals intend to check their profiles briefly, only to find that they have spent half an hour doing so. This often leads to feelings of disappointment in themselves, as they attribute their behavior to a sense of unproductiveness and addiction.

On the other hand, social networks lead to comparing themselves with others and establishing evaluations in which they often end up losing. This causes great discomfort and dissatisfaction and has a significant negative impact on self-esteem.

The problem

The central issue is dissociation, a psychological process that manifests in various forms. In its most common and everyday occurrence, the mind becomes so engrossed that individuals disconnect from their actions. This factor is detrimental, as it prevents people from effectively managing their own time.

Spending excessive hours in front of mobile device screens can lead to a disconnection from the awareness of time. The internet offers a vast array of content that can become addictive, causing users to lose touch with reality.

When social media is used impulsively and compulsively, it can result in significant concentration issues, diminished psychological well-being, and a loss of self-control. This can culminate in severe addiction, which may lead to decreased productivity across various areas and unhappiness that fosters interpersonal conflicts. Such behavior prioritizes individual needs over social connections, ultimately transforming users into isolated, irritable, and intolerant individuals.

Final thoughts

The core of the issue lies in the distortion of the concept of sharing. In all these networks, the key term is "share." Through these platforms, we often share photos, moments, quotes, moods, songs, and experiences. The problem arises when one publishes with an incorrect intention. When an individual shares something—regardless of what it is—they do so to provide a benefit to someone else, not to gain a benefit for themselves.

Let us apply this to social media: If your intention and expectation are genuinely to share, then there will be no reason for you to feel frustrated. The mere act of posting something will bring you the satisfaction of having achieved your goal. Conversely, if your satisfaction hinges on the number of likes you receive, then your aim was not merely to share. Perhaps you do not consciously recognize it, but deep down, you seek validation from others. Your expectation is not focused on the other person; it is centered on yourself. At the root of this behavior lies selfishness and vanity. In contrast, true "sharing" stems from generosity.