In today’s time, the rise of social media platforms has brought unprecedented connectivity and communication and India, being the most populous country with the second largest number of global internet users, boasts of a highly lucrative and competitive internet market. Is. Despite only 43% of Indians having access to the internet, a large number of social media users spend an average of 2.6 hours per day on these platforms.
It is almost a norm for smartphone users to have at least one social app with which they engage briefly, however, the impact of social media varies from person to person. The impact of social media on mental health is an important topic to consider because according to experts, about 7.5% of Indian women struggle with serious mental health conditions and almost half of adult women suffer from less serious mental health problems at least once in their lifetime. Faces.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Arushi Jain, Director, Acms Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, shared, “The good side of social media is obvious. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Meta empower women to build communities, share experiences, and develop connections. It provides space for diverse voices to be heard and enables women to access information and resources that may otherwise be inaccessible. However, those same platforms can be breeding grounds for challenges affecting mental health.
“One of the most serious challenges is perpetuating harmful beauty standards and body image ideals,” she revealed. With the proliferation of filters, photo-editing tools, and influencers promoting unrealistic beauty standards, women are bombarded with unattainable images of perfection. Women often find themselves measuring their lives against the seemingly ideal images presented by others. This constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, which can have a negative impact on mental health. Women often find themselves measuring their lives against the seemingly ideal images presented by others. This phenomenon also perpetuates harmful stereotypes, reinforcing the notion that beauty equals value.
Arushi Jain said, “Cyberbullying is another dark side of social media that disproportionately affects women. The veil of anonymity in the digital sphere encourages individuals to participate in harmful behaviors, ranging from body shaming to targeted harassment. The effects extend beyond the virtual world and leave lasting emotional impressions in real life. As a result, many women resort to self-silencing to avoid judgment and condemnation, suppressing their authentic identities. It is important to note that the emergence of deepfake technology is adding another layer of concern, where pictures and videos can be manipulated.
Despite these challenges, there is a growing movement advocating greater awareness and digital literacy to reduce the adverse effects of social media on women’s mental health. Aarushi Jain advised, “It’s important to set boundaries – recognizing when to step back and step away from digital noise is an important aspect of self-care. It is essential to encourage open conversations about mental health. Normalizing the discussion on the challenges women face in the digital age fosters a supportive environment. This can lead to the creation of online communities that prioritize well-being and provide a counter-narrative to toxic online spaces.
Emphasizing that critical media literacy proves to be incredibly empowering, Arushi Jain explains, “By educating women on how to understand and challenge the unrealistic portrayals presented on social media, they become more informed and engaged with these platforms.” Can communicate in any way. Recognizing that online content often represents a curated glimpse rather than an authentic portrayal can build mental resilience. Initiatives aimed at showcasing women with confidence and breaking stereotypes across various platforms are gaining momentum. Online communities offering solidarity and support, as well as campaigns celebrating diverse body shapes, colors and sizes, are actively working to establish a more safe and inclusive digital environment for women.
He concludes, “At the same time, there is a movement towards implementing regulatory measures to maintain the accountability of social media platforms in protecting the mental well-being of users. The growing consensus emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in addressing this serious concern. “By fostering awareness and critical engagement, we can positively reframe the narrative around the impact of social media on women’s mental health.”
