Social media defines an array of Internet sites that enable people from all over the world to interact. We all have our own reasons for using social media. What is interesting is that the researchers found that people who are more anxious and socially insecure are more likely to use the social networking site. In 2012, Anxiety UK found that 53% of participants said social media sites had changed their behavior, while 51% of these said the change had been negative. Many people using social networking sites make comparisons with others, which can lead to negative emotions. Furthermore, the survey revealed that two thirds of participants reported difficulty relaxing and sleeping after they used the sites, while 55% said they felt "worried or uncomfortable" when they were unable to log onto their social media accounts. Although many studies point to the negative impacts of social media on mental health and well-being, some researchers say they could have the opposite effect. Social networking sites could be a useful tool in identifying individuals with mental health issues. A study, from the University of California San Diego, suggests that using social media may even spread happiness. They found that happy status updates encourage other users to post happy status updates themselves. Overall, it appears that the exact effects of social media on our mental health and well-being remain to be seen. Read more at: