Some people might say social media is a great way to be connected without being together, but it’s no substitute for real social interaction with people. Social media is a place where people can express their opinion even if it’s hurtful to the people around them. It could have a negative effect on your outlook on subjects, such as school and political issues.

     School Psychologist Dan Innes said tone might not convey on social media as it would in a face-to-face social interaction, and that could affect feelings and mood.

     “You feel a little bit more pressured to provide a response using words,” Innes explained, “whereas when you’re face to face communicating, there’s a lot that you can communicate with your nonverbals that would be just as effective, if not more effective.” 

That’s why it’s important to spend some time with friends this winter break. 

     It doesn’t matter how you meet up. Whether it’s at a new restaurant, or getting board games from the library to play together at your house, it could be fun just to be together instead of texting.

     Yet it’s also important to not overindulge in things that you want to do and to not “drop the ball on the things that you’re responsible for” as school psychologist Innes advised. 

          Time could be a big barrier as well, as it is something you need to coordinate  in order to have a healthy social life. Having a good way to keep track of time so you can have a good balance between work and free time is a crucial aspect to your mental health.