In a world where a moment without the Internet and mobile phones is unimaginable, social networks have become an integral part of everyday life. Instagram, Telegram, Tik Tok and other platforms are not only entertainment tools, but have become a platform for communication, expressing feelings and even forming people's identity. But the important question is: How do social networks affect our mental health? This article examines this issue by looking at scientific studies. Psychological studies show that the impact of social networks on mental health can be two sides of the same blade; On the one hand, they can strengthen the sense of belonging, social support, and self-expression, and on the other hand, they may lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and behavioral addiction. These networks have provided new opportunities for communication, information and entertainment, but at the same time there are concerns about the psychological consequences of using them, especially in young people. **4 positive effects of social networks on mental health** The positive impact of social networks on mental health can be real, especially when the use of these platforms is done consciously, purposefully and within a certain time frame. Through social networks, people can receive social support, feel more belonging, increase their psychological awareness and even benefit from online psychological counseling services. Of course, these positive effects appear if users follow healthy and useful content and avoid social comparison or excessive use. ### **1\_Increasing social support** Connecting with friends, family, and support groups can strengthen a sense of belonging and support and reduce anxiety and depression. A study in the journal "Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking" showed that people who have constructive social relationships in cyberspace have higher psychological satisfaction. For those who suffer from isolation or social anxiety, the possibility of interacting with others through virtual space is considered an effective communication bridge. ### **2\_Access to information and psychology training** Studies have shown that by using social networks correctly, people can access psychological training resources and coping skills and improve their mental health. Educational content about mental health, self-awareness, anxiety, depression, and life skills on authentic psychology pages can help improve people's mental state and increase the sense of being understood in times of crisis. ### **3\_identification and self-expression** For some people, writing, posting, or sharing feelings on social networks is a form of self-expression that provides an emotional outlet and reduces mental stress. Social networks allow people to redefine their identity and feel more valued by sharing their experiences, emotions or art. Especially in teenagers, a platform is provided for self-expression, sharing of achievements and discovery of individual identity. ### **4\_Possibility of online psychological counseling** Communication platforms have made it possible to receive psychological counseling over the phone or online counseling, which is very useful for people who cannot visit in person. **The most important negative effects of social networks on mental health** The impact of social networks on mental health can be negative in many cases, especially when the use of this space is done in an extreme, comparative or dependent manner. Observing the ideal and filtered life of others can lead to decreased self-esteem, increased anxiety, feelings of inadequacy and depression. Addiction to likes, notifications, and virtual interactions puts users' mental health at risk and may disrupt concentration, sleep, and real relationships. For this reason, awareness of the negative impact of social networks on mental health and managing their use is very important. ### **1\_Social comparison and self-esteem reduction** One of the most common negative effects of social networks is comparing yourself to others. Seeing other people's beautiful images, successes, and filtered lifestyles, people may feel inadequate, which leads to low self-esteem and depression. Treatment of depression with neurofeedback is one of the methods used in Dr. Hossein Bayat's clinic, which has been approved by many patients. ### **2\_ increase in anxiety and stress** A study in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology showed that excessive use of social networks is associated with increased anxiety, sleep disturbance, and decreased concentration. Treating sleep disorders with neurofeedback and improving concentration can help a person reduce the use of cyberspace. Also, fear of missing out on the news (FOMO) can raise stress levels. ### **3\_ Increased risk of depression and suicide in teenagers** Recent studies in America and Europe show that teenagers who use social networks for more than three hours a day have a higher risk of developing depression, stress and anxiety symptoms, and suicidal thoughts. ### **4\_Increase in cyberbullying** One of the important and worrisome aspects in discussing the impact of social networks on mental health is the increase in cyberbullying. The online environment allows users to send offensive, humiliating or threatening messages behind the veil of anonymity, without directly facing the social and moral consequences. This type of abuse, especially among teenagers who are still forming their psychological and social identity, can leave devastating effects. **Which groups are more vulnerable to the negative impact of social networks?** - **Adolescents and young adults:** are subject to comparison, cyberbullying, peer pressure and dependence on others' approval. - **Children:** do not have enough understanding of reality and information filter; prone to addiction to entertaining and misleading content. - **Persons with mental disorders:** such as depression or anxiety; Social networks may exacerbate their symptoms. - **Women (especially teenage girls and young mothers):** are exposed to beauty pressure, appearance comparison and negative effect on self-esteem. - **Lonely or isolated people:** Seeking to replace real connection, but in the long run they may feel even more lonely. - **Extreme users:** Those who spend more than 3 hours a day in cyberspace are subject to anxiety, insomnia and reduced concentration. **7 best solutions to prevent the negative impact of social networks on mental health** 1. **Determining the time and limit of daily use** Limit the amount of time you spend on social media each day (for example, only 30-60 minutes a day). Use tools like Screen Time (on iPhone) or Digital Wellbeing (on Android) to manage screen time. 2. **Setting the digital environment (Digital Hygiene)** Removing comparison pages, negative news, or toxic people and replacing them with positive, educational, or inspirational content will help improve your mental state. 3. **Increasing media literacy** Learn that the content of social networks does not always show the reality of people's lives. Learn the difference between reality and filtered or magnified images. 4. **turning off notifications** Successive notifications cause anxiety and disruption of concentration. Turning off notifications improves concentration and reduces dependence on the phone. 5. **Conscious and purposeful use** Instead of aimlessly wandering through pages, limit your use of social networks to specific purposes such as learning, getting online psychological counseling, or connecting with valuable people. 6. **Momentary or permanent removal of applications** Sometimes it is recommended to temporarily or permanently remove these apps from the mobile phone for mental cleansing and energy recovery (Digital Detox). 7. **request for specialized help** If you feel depression, anxiety, dependence or mental injuries caused by cyberspace, using psychological or online counseling services can be an effective therapeutic step. **Summary** Considering the expansion of the use of social networks in everyday life, it is necessary to pay special attention to the positive and negative effects of this space on mental health. Although social networks can strengthen human communication and be a platform for information exchange, incorrect or excessive use of this space may cause disorders such as anxiety, depression, low self-confidence, and even sleep problems. If you or your loved ones are experiencing symptoms of mood disorders or problems caused by social networks, expert counseling and the use of the new method of neurofeedback treatment at Dr. Hossein Bayat Clinic can help your mental health.