The influence of social networks on psychological functioning of an individual: problem statement

Abstract

Nowadays, psychology has entered a new era of its development. This is directly related to a phenomenon of cyberspace, the space in which the digital dimension of modern human life is manifested. Within the context of the development of new technologies around the world, cyberpsychology has emerged. It aims to understand the psychological processes associated with all aspects and features of human behavior in cyberspace. Cyberpsychology is faced with many challenges, and the impact of social media on mental health and psychological well-being is among them. The article attempts to investigate the influence of social networks on psychological functioning of an individual. While some researchers emphasize the positive impact of social networks on psychological well-being, others are focused on the dangers of cyberspace. Recent study suggests that long-term use of social networking sites may be associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and low self-esteem. As far as social networks are a relatively new phenomenon, the potential link between their use and mental health and psychological well-being has not yet been properly explored, and the scientific community has not yet been able to fully interpret the results and reach a definite conclusion. The relationship between the use of social networks and psychological functioning is not that simple and unambiguous; it depends on many factors, such as the way to use it, communication patterns, emotional state, comorbidities, self-awareness, motivation, values, attitudes, and preferences. Today, we cannot avoid cyberspace, thus, the health and well-being of both the individual and society depend on our ability to interact effectively within it.