How do social networks affect our mental health? Clínica Mariva gives us the answer

The misuse of these new tools gives rise to different psychological affectations.

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

Although at first glance this greater access to information and communications only represents 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 misuse.

How do social networks affect us?

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

But this is not the only problem derived from social networks. People addicted to the reward of having more followers or more 'likes' on their photos also come to the clinic. Spiritual retreats are even in vogue, with dozens of people taking advantage of the weekend to free themselves from the toxic load generated by their dependence on new technologies.

Interview with Marta Marín Martínez, of Clínica Mariva

In order to deepen in all the problems that are generating new technologies in general, and social networks in particular, we wanted to talk with Marta Marín Martínezfrom Clínica Mariva in Valencia.

Bertrand Regader: Has our self-image and the way we value ourselves been affected by the fact that we habitually use social networks on the Internet?

Mariva: I think there is no doubt that it has. We started out using social networks where, although the image was important, it wasn't the main thing or didn't have to be the main thing. We shared texts and so on, but this has reached the point where the dominant social network is based on the image as a strong point, so we have reached a point where it is affecting too much.

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

One of the positive points of these social networks is that they allow us to maintain relationships, know the latest news about friends, etc., which helps to maintain the feeling of belonging, something basic for human beings.

However, it is also important to reflect on the fact that sometimes we have contacts in social networks with whom we have not met for years, is it then necessary to know aspects about their 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 in terms of jealousy. There is an evident increase of consultations in our center due to problems of this type "he has liked a picture of another girl... he follows his ex-partner on social networks... he doesn't answer my whatsapps right away... he talks to another guy..." are phrases that we hear daily and that, contrary to what we may think, are not only a young person's thing. I believe that the problem is not the social network, there is a problem of jealousy and distrust and the social network or the use of instant messaging is serving as a catalyst.

Another common type of problem is that the couple is together but one or both of them are more focused on the cell phone, looking at other things or even uploading pictures of what they are doing. In these cases, I would say the same 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 with the cost of a certain loss of privacy. Do we tend to underestimate this disadvantage?

Of course, that's 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 undervaluing privacy, something that is a value of the first order and that, I think, we should take much more care of.

You also talk about the way in which social networks keep us glued to the screen. How do you explain this ability to be aware of what the rest of our contacts upload and share?

People are curious about what the people around them are doing, it's something natural, but it can become "gossip" and that's why social networks, like reality TV, are so successful. We usually like to look out the window and see what our neighbor is doing, and the social network allows this instantly, although, following the metaphor, it is a window with many filters in which we do not see the full reality of the neighbor, but generally his most positive side, which can undermine our self-esteem by the social comparison.

Possibly people with anxiety problems do not cope well with the torrent of information that platforms such as Facebook or Twitter throw at us. Is this reflected in the cases 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 us from disconnecting.

On the other hand, as you rightly say, overstimulation is very harmful for anxiety and it is essential that we relearn to watch a movie, listen to music, go out with friends... enjoying only that task and not looking at the mobile.

Are we being educated to compete in number of likes, retweets and comments on 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 teenagers, because, at a fundamental age for the development of proper 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 harmful for the development of a healthy self-esteem.

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

As we have discussed, I perceive that it is a growing trend, although it is still rare to meet people who have decided to do without social networks and those who do, tend to feel more excluded and, when it comes to meeting new people, it is beginning to be indispensable, even to establish relationships.