Many people think social media affects mental health, but they're wrong. In fact, it makes people happier, healthier, and more confident. Here are 5 social media myths debunked.


It may surprise you to learn that research shows that using Facebook increases happiness levels by an average of 4%. And, according to the latest survey of over 17,000 people by Facebook, users who use Facebook tend to be more active online and have more positive emotions.

However, it's not all roses when it comes to social media. A lot of misinformation is spreading on social media which results in unrealistic expectations of others and leads to depression, loneliness and anxiety.

Let's look at five social media myths that are commonly shared by marketers.

Myth #1: Using social media to make more money will drive down my income.

Fact: Social media has the potential to make you a lot of money, but it won't happen overnight. It's about building relationships and creating opportunities.

Myth #2: I can't afford social media marketing.

Fact: Social media is affordable. People spend around two hours a day on it. For most of us, it's more time spent interacting with friends and family rather than on work related activities.

Myth #3: If I do too much social media I'll get lazy.

Fact: Doing too much social media is not the cause of laziness. It's the expectation of laziness, which we believe that social media encourages. Instead, the solution to this problem is to set goals and stick to them.

Myth #4: People get addicted to social media.

Fact: While some people might feel this way, it's not a natural part of human behavior. Studies show that most people start using social media, but then use it less.

Myth #5: I need to check social media several times per day.

Fact: There's no need to check social media several times per day. It depends on what you're doing with it. If you're in front of a computer, you may as well do so.

If you want to stop feeling overwhelmed by social media, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Set realistic goals.

Don't expect to be on Twitter every day, every hour.