Social media is demonised for its addictive nature and for causing a disconnection between reality and fantasy for its users. But along came a study and instilled some faith in the social media. A study published in the journal Cyberpsychology Behaviour and Social Networking, said that moderate (this can’t be stressed enough) use of Facebook helped in promoting happiness in autistic adults. But the researchers stressed that this is applicable only to Facebook and the same can’t be said about other sites like Twitter. Although, for the most part, social media has a lot of drawbacks, there can be a few benefits too. Here are some of the health benefits of social media you didn’t know about.

1 It can help you lose weight

If you lack that certain motivation required to lose a few pounds, hit the social media. A recent study titled ‘Weight Loss Through Virtual Support Communities: A Role for Identity-based Motivation in Public Commitment’ found that social media will give you the required motivation you need to lose weight, either introducing you to fitness role models or by giving access to like-minded fitness community.

2 It can users seek health advice

Some people are not comfortable talking about their health issues to all and sundry. In fact, they may not even open up to close family members for the fear of being judged. The power of anonymity on the internet helps them seek out advice for their health problems. This works best for people undergoing mental health issues like depression or venereal diseases.

3 It can help users maintain their healthy lifestyle

Your friends may not always be 100 percent on board when you suggest going on a keto diet. But on the internet, you will find scores of people who will help you in your journey towards good health. Many people turn to the internet to help realise their goals such as quitting alcohol or smoking or even losing weight. The motivation they receive on the internet is much more than they would otherwise.

4 It makes the elderly feel less lonely

A UK project studied the impact of the internet on elderly people using the computer. The results were encouraging. It showed that senior citizens felt more confident on the social media and were able to participate in social activity more freely. They were also shown to have improved cognitive abilities. More importantly, they no longer felt isolated from the community when they were on the internet.

5 It helps people with chronic illnesses

Before the advent of social media, sharing of information wasn’t as easy as it is today. But today, internet has facilitated ease of contact between strangers on two different continents, who may happen to have the same disease. It helps patients seek others with the same ailment and share knowledge and research about the best treatments.

But this is not to dismiss the adverse health effects of social media. There are studies that link social media use to low self-esteem and depression. But anything in moderation, that includes Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, can be good for you.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 13, 2018 01:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).