We are all familiar with the concept of doom scrolling - a concept that was popularised during the height of the pandemic. But when does social media use become toxic?
It might be difficult, if not impossible, to quit social media altogether as it is so ingrained in our culture and daily lives. However, carefully managing the use of social media can have numerous benefits to your health.
Learn how to take control of your online experience.
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Numerous studies have shown the impact of social media on our mental health. Research suggests that spending excessive time on social media platforms can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. There are several reasons for this.
The constant exposure to carefully curated highlight reels of others' lives can create unrealistic comparisons and feelings of inadequacy.
Additionally, the constant barrage of information and notifications can contribute to a sense of overwhelm and decreased focus.
The impact of global news events, and how it is constantly being broadcasted by everyone who has an online voice can cause anxiety and create feelings of hopelessness.
Identify and Unfollowing Negative Influences
Make an active effort to unfollow the influences that do not contribute to your emotional well-being. Ask yourself, is this improving my mental health in any way? Is this educational? Or is this purely a means to keep me entertained?
By curating your social media feed to include positive and uplifting content, you can create a supportive online environment for yourself.
Inspirational content, uplifting stories, and videos and images of nature, can boost mood and feelings of happiness. Engage with content that promotes self-care, mindfulness, and gratitude.
It's important to remember that social media should be used as a tool for connection and inspiration, rather than a source of comparison or negativity.
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