Social media platforms may be a part of your everyday life, but that doesn't mean they are beneficial to your mental health. Consuming social media too much can lead to mental health struggles or make struggles you already have even worse. Here's how social media can contribute to depression.

Envy

When you look at social media posts, you are seeing curated pictures and information about the lives of others. You are more likely to see the good rather than just the mundane or bad, and this can lead to feelings of envy. Suddenly, your life doesn't look good enough compared to someone else's. Social media only shows you a quick snapshot of another person's existence, and it may not even be accurate. However, social media can lead to jealousy. The feeling of envy can cause you to feel depressed and let down with life over time.

Conflict

Conflict is a part of life, but conflict on social media can take a dark turn very quickly. Political posts or other controversial stances can make you defensive when you see them on someone else's page. If you engage in an argument online, you are unlikely to have the issue resolved or feel better about the situation. Most conflict resolution requires nuance and context that social media doesn't offer. Feeling like you are constantly misunderstood or in conflict with your friends on social media sites can leave you feeling isolated and depressed.

Over-Indulging

It's estimated that most people spend 2 hours a day on social media. While it's fine to engage in a guilty pleasure on occasion, those two hours could likely be better spent sleeping, reading, or having actual face-to-face interactions with other people. If your phone is always in your hand so you can check social media updates, you aren't living in the now. That alone can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Plus, you often don't know how or why you spent the time you did on social media. When it's over and you finally step away, those hours in the virtual world are gone and you don't have anything to show for them.

Loneliness

Loneliness is one major reason that people feel depressed. Being plugged into social media all the time is not a cure for loneliness. In fact, it can actually make it worse. When your time is spent on social media platforms instead of interacting with people in real life, you miss out on deep connections with real friends who will show up when needed.

Social media is not evil but spending too much time on it can negatively impact your mental health. Set limits and take breaks for your mental wellbeing.