One of the most significant risks of problematic social media use is its detrimental effect on mental health. Extensive research has shown that excessive engagement with social media is associated with increased levels of anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish, 2020). The constant comparison to others' idealised portrayals on social media often leads to negative self-evaluations, contributing to a sense of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Social comparison theory posits that individuals evaluate their own worth by comparing themselves to others, and social media amplifies this tendency by providing constant exposure to curated, often unrealistic, images of success, beauty and happiness (Festinger, 1954).
Furthermore, addiction-like patterns of social media use can exacerbate anxiety due to the pressure to stay constantly connected and updated. The phenomenon of "fear of missing out" (FOMO) drives individuals to check their social media feeds repeatedly to avoid missing social events or updates from friends. This compulsive checking behaviour can lead to heightened anxiety, especially when individuals feel excluded or experience cyberbullying (Przybylski, Murayama, DeHaan, & Gladwell, 2013). Over time, these negative emotions can erode mental health, leading to persistent feelings of stress and emotional exhaustion.
Problematic social media use also disrupts sleep patterns, contributing to sleep disorders such as insomnia. Excessive screen time before bed, particularly engagement with stimulating content, can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep (Levenson, Shensa, Sidani, Colditz, & Primack, 2016). This disruption of the natural sleep–wake cycle leads to sleep deprivation, which has been linked to worsening mood, increased stress and a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression (Chellappa, 2019).
In addition to the psychological effects, excessive or problematic use of social media poses significant threats to physical health. The sedentary lifestyle associated with prolonged screen use is one of the most concerning consequences. Individuals who spend long hours online are at greater risk of developing health conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal problems (Tremblay et al., 2017).
Problematic use can also lead to digital eye strain, commonly referred to as "computer vision syndrome." This condition arises from extended exposure to screens, resulting in symptoms such as eye fatigue, blurred vision and headaches (Rosenfield, 2016). Without proper eye care, long-term exposure can exacerbate these symptoms and lead to more severe vision problems.
Moreover, extended and repetitive device use often leads to poor posture, particularly when users spend long periods slouching over smartphones or laptops. The strain on the neck, shoulders and back can result in chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders over time. This condition, sometimes referred to as "text neck," has become increasingly prevalent among young adults and adolescents who spend significant time using social media (Neupane, Ifthikar, & Mathew, 2017). The combination of poor posture, lack of physical activity and excessive screen time can contribute to long-term health problems that affect overall well-being.
While social media is designed to foster connection, compulsive or problematic use can lead to social isolation and deteriorating interpersonal relationships. Individuals who spend excessive time online may neglect face-to-face interactions with friends and family, leading to weakened social bonds. This paradox of feeling connected digitally while becoming increasingly isolated in real life has been termed the "social displacement hypothesis" (Kraut, Patterson, Lundmark, Kiesler, Mukopadhyay, & Scherlis, 1998).
Research suggests that individuals who exhibit addiction-like social media behaviours may experience loneliness and a lack of social fulfillment. Higher social media usage has been associated with increased feelings of social isolation, even when individuals actively engaged with online communities (Primack et al., 2017). Online interactions often lack the depth and emotional richness of real-life conversations, leaving individuals feeling disconnected despite frequent digital communication.
In addition, problematic social media use can expose individuals to negative online experiences such as cyberbullying, harassment and trolling. These behaviours can have devastating consequences for mental health, particularly for adolescents who are more vulnerable to peer pressure and online criticism. Cyberbullying has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation among victims (Kowalski, Giumetti, Schroeder, & Lattanner, 2014). For individuals who spend excessive time on these platforms, the constant exposure to toxic online environments can lead to significant emotional distress and further isolation from real-world relationships.
Problematic or excessive social media use can also have detrimental effects on academic and professional performance. Individuals who engage in compulsive social media checking often struggle with time management, as they prioritise online engagement over academic or work-related responsibilities. This can lead to procrastination, missed deadlines and reduced productivity (Aagaard, 2015).
Furthermore, frequent and fragmented social media engagement can impair cognitive functions such as attention span and memory. The constant switching between platforms and rapid consumption of bite-sized content can reduce the brain’s ability to concentrate for extended periods (Firth et al., 2019). As a result, individuals may experience difficulties retaining information and staying focused on complex tasks, both in academic and professional settings.
In conclusion, problematic or addiction-like social media use poses significant risks to individuals’ mental, physical, social and academic well-being. Compulsive engagement with social media can lead to increased anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep and social isolation. Physically, excessive use contributes to sedentary behaviour, digital eye strain and musculoskeletal issues. Additionally, problematic social media use can weaken real-world relationships and impair academic or professional performance. As social media continues to play a central role in daily life, it is crucial for individuals to recognise the signs of problematic use and take proactive steps to maintain balance and protect their overall wellbeing.
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