As humans, we have a huge desire to stay connected with one another. That connection used to consist of in-person meetings, phone calls, video calls, and texting. Technology has made the ability to connect available right at your fingertips.

Apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are all used to stay up to date with the latest from friends, family, and even complete strangers. On top of lifestyle apps, there are also dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, or Grindr that allow users to connect with one another from the comfort of their own homes.

If you've been feeling depressed, there's a good chance social media could be one of the reasons.

Here's are 4 reasons that social media could be contributing to your depression.

1. The Comparison Game

Social media has become a place where everyone posts their best photos. It's become everyone's "highlight reel." This phrase was coined due to a majority of social media users posting photos of the best version of themselves. A lot of the photos you see on your timeline or newsfeeds are posed, staged, taken by a professional photographer, or using filters and editing.

It can be easy to get wrapped into the comparison game without even realizing it. You may see a photo of one of your friends smiling from ear to ear with perfect hair and flawless skin. This could lead you down a road of questioning your own photos and even your appearance.

The thing about social media is that you aren't able to see what's going on behind the scenes. Someone could be posting a beautiful photo, but they may be trying to make their life appear like something it's not.

2. Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO)

Social media is also known to cause feelings of loneliness and isolation. You may think that your constant scrolling, messages, and likes are great ways to stay connected, but does it actually leave you feeling fulfilled?

You may come across a photo of some of your friends and wonder why you weren't included. You'll start to experience FOMO or a Fear Of Missing Out. Instead of being fulfilled, you'll be filled with feelings of envy and sadness.

Sure, there are positive interactions on social media, but they won't always combat the negative feelings associated.

3. Sleep Deprivation

One of the first things you do when you want up in the morning is to reach for your phone. You check your phone a few times during the day for any notifications relating to texts, emails, social media, and dating apps. Before bed, you're on your phone once again.

The constant desire to stay connected may be affecting your sleep. Social media and dating apps could be causing you to stay up later by scrolling and swiping left or right.

Sleep is essential for rest and recovery. If social media is getting in the way of your sleeping habits, it could lead to mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.

4. Doomscrolling

If you've never actually heard this term before, don't completely dismiss it. There's a good chance that you have done this without realizing it. Doomscrolling is continuing to scroll on the internet, social media, or dating apps looking for more negative news.

If you're already in a state of depression, doomscrolling can actually make things worse.

Tips for Social Media and Dating Apps

If you notice signs of depression, you may want to work to implement some guidelines to protect your mental health. Try limiting your social media or dating app usage. Setting time limits or turning off notifications can also help to create a balance in your life.

If you're struggling with finding a balance or if you want to seek help for your depression, it may be the right time to connect with a counselor. Reach out today to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.