How do social networks affect our mental health?

The great change of our time comes from the hand of the internet. New technologies have allowed us all to be connected and informed through smartphones and computers.

Although at first sight this greater access to information and communications only supposes a clear advantage for our species, the truth is that there are also people who lose control and maintain a problematic relationship with these technologies, to the point of developing clinical pictures derived from their illness use.

How do social networks affect us?

As we saw in an article from a few months ago, social networks (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) are a great way of maintaining contact with people who are far away, but at the same time it has caused disorders, such as he FOMO syndrome. It seems that we are so connected to the networks that we have lost the ability to focus on ourselves, our well-being and the present moment.

But this is not the only problem derived from social networks. In consultation they also come

addicted people to the reward of having more followers or more 'likes' on their photos. Even spiritual retreats are in fashion in which dozens of people take advantage of the weekend to free themselves from the toxic load generated by their dependence on new technologies.

Interview with Marta Marín Martínez, from Clínica Mariva

To delve into all the problems that new technologies in general are generating, and social networks in particular, we wanted to talk with martha marin martinez, of Mariva Clinic in Valencia.

Bertrand Regader: Has the fact of habitually using social networks on the Internet affected our self-image and our way of valuing ourselves?

Mariva: I think there is no doubt that it is. We started using social networks in which, although the image was important, it was not the main thing or did not have to be. We shared texts and so on, but this has gotten to the point where the dominant social network based on image as a strong point, so we have reached a point where it is affecting excess.

How have interpersonal relationships changed since we used platforms like Facebook or Instagram?

These social networks have as one of their positive points that they allow maintaining relationships, knowing the latest news from friends etc, so they help maintain the feeling of belonging, something basic for being human.

However, it is also important to reflect on the fact that sometimes we have contacts in networks with whom we haven't met for years, is it necessary then to know aspects about his life or vice versa?

Specifically in the field of couple relationships... What kind of problems arise from the use of these online platforms?

Problems arise, especially as for jealousy. There is an evident rise in inquiries in our center due to problems of this type "she has given a like to a photo of another girl... she follows her ex-partner on social networks... he doesn't answer my whatsapps at the moment... talk to another guy..." are phrases that we hear every day and that, contrary to what we may think, are not just for young people. I believe that the problem is not the social network, there is a problem of jealousy and mistrust and the social network or the use of instant messaging is serving as a catalyst.

Another type of common problem is that the couple is together but one or both are more aware of the mobile, looking at other things or even pending uploading photos of what they do. In these cases, I would tell you the same thing as in the previous case, there is already a basic problem that is not the social network itself.

On the other hand, the use of these digital resources comes at the cost of a certain loss of privacy. Do we tend to underestimate this disadvantage?

Of course, this is what we were saying, that we have contacts that we haven't seen for years and that are up to date with our lives. We are detracting from the value of privacy, something that is a value of the first order and that, I think, we should take much more care of.

There is also talk of the way in which social networks keep us glued to the screen. How do you explain this ability they have to keep an eye on what the rest of our contacts upload and share?

People are curious about what the people around them are doing, it is something natural, but what can happen to be "gossip" and, that is why, social networks, as well as television reality shows, have so much success. We usually like to look out the window and see what the neighbor is doing, and the social network allows this instantly, although, continuing with the metaphor, it is a window with many filters in which we do not see the total reality of the neighbor, but rather, generally, its most positive part, what can lower our self-esteem for the happy social comparison.

Possibly people with anxiety problems do not handle well the torrent of information that platforms like Facebook or Twitter throw at us. Is this reflected in the cases that are seen in therapy?

The worst thing for people with anxiety, or even without it, is the feeling of having to be available and reachable at any time, that is something that prevents them from disconnecting.

On the other hand, as you say, overstimulation is very detrimental to anxiety and it is essential that let's relearn to watch a movie, listen to music, go out with friends... enjoying that task alone and not looking at the mobile.

Are we being educated to compete in the number of likes, retweets and comments on the photos?

Yes, although little by little, we are realizing how useless it is and many people are choosing to eliminate social networks from their lives, but this is especially worrying in the world of young people and adolescents, because, at a fundamental age for the development of adequate self-esteem, we are encouraging that this is based on the perception of others and their reaction to our image or the image we want to give, this is disastrous for the development of a healthy self esteem

And what about the people who decide not to use social media? Are they handicapped by the lack of ability to meet new people?

As we have discussed, I perceive that it is an upward trend, although it is still strange to meet people who have decided to do without social networks and those who they do, they tend to feel more excluded and, when it comes to meeting new people, it begins to be essential, even to establish relationships of couple.