Not only is online security necessary for your physical health but also for your emotional wellness. Heavy use of social media has been linked to higher rates of sadness, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts in numerous studies. Social networking could encourage unfavorable feelings like inadequacy about your life or appearance. Here's the situation in simple terms:
1. Spending excessive amounts of time online can disrupt your mental balance. Establish limits. Take a break from the constant barrage of information on your mind.
2. Protect your personal information like it's a priceless gem. Keep the information private, and make sure your settings are locked down by double-checking them.
3. Some internet areas resemble digital sewers. You should stop using a website or social media platform if it is making you feel bad, insecure or fueling.
4. Hit the block or unfollow button right away if someone is being a bully or a digital nuisance. Your mental peace matters more
5. Exercise Doubt. Not everything you read or see online is real. Misinformation spreads like wildfire and people lie. Before you believe anything, do your research.
6. If you've been a victim of cyberbullying, come forward. Speak with somebody you can trust, such as a friend, relative, or therapist. Avoid suffering alone. The Indian Government has also provided helpline numbers. Call 1800-180-5522 or visit https://www.cyberbaap.org/cyberbullying/reporting/ to report a cybercrime.
7. There’s a fine line drawn between online pals and real friends. While having online pals is exciting, real-world relationships should still be prioritized. Develop your face-to-face connections. Give more importance to real relationships rather than reel relationships.
8. Designate tech-free periods of time during the day. Allow your brain to detox, rest and breathe without the continual buzz of the digital world.
9. Ask for help when you need it. If you're having mental health issues as a result of something that happened online, don't be afraid to contact a mental health professional.
10. Trust your gut. If something feels off when you're online, it probably is. Pay attention to your gut and guard your mental stability.
Online safety goes beyond passwords and firewalls. It also comprises protecting your mental health in the digital era. From the standpoint of mental stability, online safety is being aware of the possible risks posed by the digital environment and adopting proactive measures to safekeep one's mind, body and soul. This includes dealing with cyberbullying, handling privacy issues, and encouraging wholesome online conduct. Maintaining a happy and healthy relationship with the online world can be achieved by balancing our digital life with our offline interests and seeking support when necessary.
Just like any other average teen on the world wide web, I too have been a victim of cyber bullying on Instagram and other social media apps. People have the freedom of speech and obviously that freedom is easily misused. As Kishore Da has famously said, 'Kuch toh log kahenge logon ka kaam hai kehna' which translates to, 'people will speak, their job is to speak.' After a certain point all those talks do get to you. Which is when the trusty 'block and report' button becomes your best friend on the internet. You must know where to draw the line. And this rule pertains to your social media presence too. Sometimes you just need to put that phone down and detox. Live life like all those likes, shares and followers do not matter. Live life like only you matter.
By Shreya Ajithkumar, Volunteer at Atha Centre for Psychotherapy & Training.
Posted 11 months ago