Social Media Monster

In today’s day and age, it feels nearly impossible to stay away from social media. Whether it be wanting to keep up with friends from far away, FOMO (fear of missing out), or staying up to date with the news and pop culture, we’re all online for one reason or another. Social media can be a great place to find inspiration for fashion or art and find ways to “find yourself”, but on the other hand, it can be a cesspool for insecurity and harm.

    The curated nature of social media, where users often present an idealized version of their lives, can lead to constant comparisons of our own lives behind the screen. This “highlight reel” of others seeming “perfect” lives can create unrealistic expectations and cause individuals to feel inadequate or dissatisfied with their own lives. This can foster a sense of inadequacy that takes a toll on mental well-being.

      Now, I’m not going to sit here and say I haven’t looked at social media influencers my age and thought “What are they doing, that I’m not, to be so successful and have it all?” Comparing ourselves to others is very common. With all of the responsibilities life throws at us, on top of the expectations portrayed online, it may feel isolating and difficult to believe we’ll be able to achieve a sense of fulfillment. (Spoiler: We can!) 

      The opinions of others online add to the toxicity of social media. The anonymity provided by online platforms can empower negative behaviors, making it easier for people to engage in harmful actions without facing immediate consequences. In many cases, cyberbullies don’t see any repercussions for their actions. Victims of cyberbullying often experience increased feelings of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. In severe cases, this can lead to long-lasting emotional scars and barriers to self-confidence. 

      For many of us, deleting every social media app is not going to happen. Maybe there’s family we don’t want to disconnect from or, like in my case, it’s where I find all my inspiration for crochet projects and drawing. So how do we protect ourselves from the impact these apps and websites have on our mental health? It starts with mindfulness — don’t laugh! The term “doom scrolling” may spark thoughts for some of you. For others, this is a social media term used when we browse social media for a long period with no clear intent or purpose. This could be when we’re trying to fill time, feeling bored, or even avoiding a task.

      This is where mindfulness comes in. Take a moment now and then when you’re scrolling and see how long you’ve been online. Sometimes a half hour or more could pass and we don’t even realize! Using screen time apps that let you know when you’ve been on a certain app can help you become more mindful about your social media use. On top of this, when you catch yourself comparing your life to others online, remind yourself of what you have right now and what you’re actively working towards. Those influencers online may have privileges we don’t have, or maybe their goals are different than our own. What’s important is making sure you are doing what makes you happy every day, not what looks good to others. YOU look good on you, own it!