The psychologist called the negative consequences of the constant use of social networks

Constant uncontrolled use of social media can cause stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. Olga Berg, psychologist, supervisor and founder of the Institute of Practical Psychology and Supervision, told Izvestia on March 11 why this is happening and how to begin the path of healing from digital addiction.

"Paradoxically, social media was initially perceived as innocent entertainment and a convenient way to communicate with people around the world. But with the advent of advertising on the Internet, some social networks began to resemble a shopping mall and an exhibition of "successful success," the expert noted.

According to her, the peak of popularity of information courses and videos about millions of dollars in income occurred in 2022-2024. Online activity has been developing, and earning opportunities have become more accessible. At the same time, the class stratification increased.

"People who were used to living paycheck to paycheck took out loans to pay for their education and get out of the financial hole. However, the effect was reversed. The desire to get closer to influencers and start living beautifully, as in the stories of a beloved blogger, played a cruel joke: endless self—comparison with others, feelings of dissatisfaction, a sharp change in trends and the inability to digest a huge flow of information led to chronic stress and anxiety among the population," Berg explained.

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At the same time, she drew attention to the fact that social networks have further strengthened the feeling of total loneliness and unwillingness to leave the room for some users.

"We know who divorced whom, who recently became a father, and who built a house by the sea. Someone else's life constantly flashes before our eyes, but in our own we "go with the flow." Thousands of subscribers and hundreds of likes on stories only mask the inner emptiness of the inability to build close and trusting relationships in life," the psychologist added.

The expert clarified that young people are experiencing this feeling especially acutely. Social media has become their main way of communicating, and they are increasingly facing frustration because virtual communication is not a substitute for real relationships.

In addition, constant uncontrolled social media browsing can lead to sleep problems.

"Most people want to "live out" this day after work, devoting time to themselves. And they often choose not a book, a bubble bath, or a nap, but watching rils and stories on a banned network. A phone screen that emits blue light interferes with the production of melatonin, which helps you fall asleep. Because of this, we become restless, sleep worse, and fatigue worsens our mental state," Berg said.

In order to cope with digital addiction, she recommended setting a limit on social media. You can also opt out of monitoring the feed after waking up and before going to bed. However, you should watch when you want to look at your phone. According to the expert, this often happens when a person is anxious or bored.

"Try replacing this action with a call to your mom, grandmother, or friend — they will be pleased to hear your voice, and you will receive support and reassurance," the psychologist advised.

The expert stressed that no virtual communication can replace a real meeting. She recommended spending time with family: walking outdoors, chatting over a cup of coffee, cooking together.

Besides, it's worth doing a digital detox.

"You shouldn't be on social media 24 hours a day, especially if you work online. Give yourself time to take a break — at least on weekends or vacations. This will help the nervous system to reboot, and you will regain strength and energy," the supervisor added.

She recommended choosing content that inspires rather than makes you feel worse, as well as unsubscribing from accounts that cause envy, frustration, guilt, and shame.

Earlier, on February 6, Candidate of Psychological Sciences Mikhail Khors told Izvestia that the content that smartphone users consume can form an addiction similar to drug addiction. According to him, such consequences can be caused by regular viewing of short videos or a constant search for negative information on the Web.