REDES SOCIAIS E O SEU IMPACTO NAS RELAÇÕES SOCIAIS E NO BEM-ESTAR EMOCIONAL

Abstract

With the increasing use of social media, they have become increasingly important in our lives, connecting us with distant family and friends and keeping us informed about what is happening in the world. This undergraduate research analyzes the impacts caused by social media on social relationships and the emotional well-being of its users when used excessively. In this sense, it also sought to analyze the mechanisms used by social media to capture users' attention and how this happens, as well as the effects generated by the excessive use of these platforms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020. The methodology used was hermeneutics, allowing for a clearer and more in-depth analysis of the texts and information collected through the SciELO and Google Scholar platforms, using the keywords social networks, social relationships, and mental health. The results indicate that social media is becoming an addiction that leads to the end of face-to-face social interactions, increased levels of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, also creating unattainable aesthetic standards and interfering with individuals' self-image. Although social media has positive aspects, it is unable to replace face-to-face social relationships, resulting in superficial and short-lived relationships, as well as a decrease in sociability. Therefore, the study contributes to a more moderate and conscious use of these digital platforms, leading people to rethink the way they spend their time on social media.