I believe we live in an era where social media has taken up our lives. Harsh, I know, but hear me out. Using Instagram, TikTok, or other platforms comes with a price. Even with the opportunity that these apps are giving us, we sometimes use them unwisely. Their impact on mental health came to light a long time ago, so read this with an open mind, and I hope that my words stick with you.
We all faced moments in our lives where we stood frozen in front of the screen, staring at someone we might or might not know. Social media often presents a curated version of reality, fostering an environment where users compare their lives to the seemingly perfect lives of others. This social comparison paradox can lead to diminished self-esteem and increased discontent, as individuals strive to meet unrealistic standards set by online peers. Along with this, social media metrics like likes and shares have become markers of validation in the digital age. This constant quest for online approval can erode self-worth and contribute to a culture of comparison.
Not to mention that the digital world has given rise to a new form of harassment – cyberbullying. Online harassment can cause significant emotional distress, including feelings of fear or anxiety. Victims may also experience long-term mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can contribute to physical health problems, such as headaches, sleep disturbances, and other stress-related symptoms. The list goes on and on. However, I don't want to emphasize the effects, but on the things we can do to prevent this type of bullying: Online Safety Education; Reporting Mechanisms; Mental Health Support; and Community Building.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is present in social media too, where it’s inevitable to see your life through a different lens. I know how it feels to think that your life is boring by just looking at stories or posts. But what I’ve come to understand is that everyone, I mean the 8 billion people on this planet, experiences a day differently. And that is the beauty- you are unique, your day is unique and someday you will go on “that trip” or in “that place” but at your pace, and no one else’s.
I think we all understand the impact of social media on our lives, whether we want it or not, it; 's there. And it bugs many of us. A healthier relationship with it is necessary, adopting mindful and intentional practices. To make it a bit easier, here are some strategies to help you navigate across the digital realm more positively and peacefully:
Set Clear Boundaries: establish specific time limits for social media usage each day.
Designate certain times as "social media-free" or “me-time” to promote mindfulness and presence in the offline world (my personal favorite, but sometimes I end up going into another world, the world of books and fantasy more precisely. Guilty!).
Curate Your Feed: Unfollow accounts that contribute to negative feelings or social comparison! I know it’s hard, but trust me, it’s a life changer.
Turn Off Notifications: Disable non-essential notifications to reduce the constant influx of updates, allowing for a more peaceful environment.
Practice Mindful Consumption: Be intentional about your social media use. Before scrolling, ask yourself why you're using it and what you hope to gain. Don’t throw yourself into the pool of comparison before you even pick up the phone, but open social media with a relaxed and confident heart.
Focus on Real-world Relationships: Nurture relationships offline and prioritize f2f interactions. Use social media as a tool to enhance, rather than replacing real-world connections.
At the end of the day, by replacing these habits with new techniques I assure you, your life is going to look different. That is a good difference. A much-needed difference that will set your wings for success.
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