MHM Magazine

If you find yourself incessantly checking your social media apps, it may be time for a digital detox or a mental health check-in. With over five billion people using social network sites worldwide, our modern culture has shifted to a state of constant connectivity. And that’s not always a good thing. In the context of our information- driven society, where many of us are constantly available to friends, family, colleagues and our community, there is a risk of little-known, unwanted effects on mental health. This is especially true for those of us who not only use social media platforms for personal connections but are also connected 24/7 for work. What if there comes a time when that constant connection to everyone gets too much? What about those who simply can’t ignore their phones and screens to take a break? Social network sites include apps like WhatsApp which are often unavoidable in our daily functioning. They’re used as a By Dr Abongile Makuluma Psychiatrist Netcare Akeso Milnerton IS IT TIME FOR A SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX? RESIST THE PRESSURE AND TEMPTATION TO BE AVAILABLE ONLINE 24/7 MHM | 2025 | Volume 12 | Issue 2 | Is it time for a social media detox? MHM