Social Media and Mental Health
I am so SO interested in the discourse around social media being bad for one’s mental health. While I completely understand how and why people can be affected in a negative way, my experience with social media has been so different. Without social media, I would lack a lot of perspective that I have gained from the thoughts of others being presented in a casual way. As an introvert, I would lack a major chunk of my connections to other people, especially the many long-distance friends I have made through my social accounts. But the main thing I would not have without social media is the boundless inspiration that comes from seeing other people’s life choices and creative work. It’s a daily reminder that so many things I never even imagined are actually realistically possible.
I also love that we have so much control over our social media accounts. While some may feel like slaves to their screens (check out this post, “Scrolling is the New Smoking” by The Minimalists), the reality is that we are completely in control over how and when we use our phones. While, yes, social media companies see us as the product for sale, we have to remember that their platforms are a tool. If a tool isn’t working for you and your goal, simply don’t use it. If it can get you closer to your goal, then make it work for you! In a world where I have control over so little, my social accounts are where I feel in control the most. Through what I choose to post and share, I control the narrative presented about my life. I decide how my account looks, at least to a certain extent, within the comfy parameters of my little glowing screen. If I don’t like something, I can block or just keep scrolling by, unlike real life where that could often be very rude or even impossible to do to someone standing in front of you. In the same vein, my choices shape what the algorithm gives back to me. If I interact with something, it gives me more. If I ignore certain things, it shows me less. I get to see my friends’ sweet babies and lots of cute animals. Kind of like life. You get back what you put in and you create the world you want around you.
Social media, particularly instagram, has had a positive impact on my own mental health. No, I don’t have a zillion followers or a huge reach, but it’s been a fun way to express myself and exchange ideas with people that I wouldn’t have otherwise had access to. It makes me so sad to hear about people getting lost in the comparison game and the highlight reel. I love seeing peoples’ highlights! I’m so happy to see people hit the milestones they worked towards and know that it’s possible for me to get there, too, if I want to. We all know the old adage, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” You can’t compare yourself to anyone other than the person you were yesterday. Every person is on their own journey. We all start and end in different places and no two lives are lived exactly the same way. Someone else having the thing you want doesn’t take away the possibility of you having it. It just means that person put the work in to get there, and if you put in the work, you can enjoy the spoils, too! I personally find this to be so motivating.
I know, I know. I make it sound so easy to make an attitude shift and voila, you’re cured! If you’re struggling with your mental health because of social media, take a break! If the tool isn’t working for you, set it down. We have so much control over the way we use social media, and if it’s hurting you, the only person who can stop it is yourself! Deactivate your account, take the app off your phone, whatever you need to do. Take the time to regroup and decide if and how you can make that platform work for you. You are in charge. Do you need to set time limits for when and how long you scroll? Do that! Do you need to unfollow or block people that make you feel some type of way? Do that! Maybe that specific platform doesn’t have a positive affect on your life in any way. You’re allowed to stop using it!
I am thankful for my experience with social media and for all of the wonderful things it has added to my life. Regardless of how you feel about social media, it’s not going away anytime soon. My relationship with these platforms hasn’t always been perfect, but over time I’ve learned what works best for me and how to use socials to my advantage. I hope if you are struggling, you find balance with what’s healthy for you, and always remember that “real life” comes first.
How does social media affect you? Are you able to regulate your usage and avoid the negative affects? What actions do you take to combat any negative side-effects you experience? Leave a comment and let me know!
