Did you ever have the Social Media Blues, don’t you think it’s time to start creating a healthy relationship with the digital world?
Doom scrolling through endless feeds of seemingly perfect lives, feeling left out of the “like” party – sound familiar? How far away IRL are these seemingly perfect lives?
Yeah, social media can go from fun to frustration in a heartbeat. But fear not, fellow digital denizens!
So, put down your phone for a sec (seriously, take a deep breath!), and get ready to reclaim control of your social media life.
The Downside of the Scroll: Understanding Social Media’s Impact
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood”
Stephen R Covey
Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, and let’s be honest, sometimes they can leave us feeling a bit worse about ourselves.
Here’s how:
- Comparison Trap: We’re bombarded with curated snapshots of other people’s lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy and social comparison.
- FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): The constant stream of updates can create a sense of missing out on all the fun things happening.
- Low Self-Esteem: The focus on likes and followers can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-worth.
Sensory Acuity: Tuning into Your Social Media Experience
Learning sensory acuity technique helps you become more aware of your internal experience. Here’s how to use it with social media:
- Notice Your Senses: After scrolling through social media, take a moment to notice your internal state. Are your shoulders tense? Is your stomach in knots? Are you feeling a tightness in your chest?
- Identify Your Emotions: What emotions are associated with these physical sensations? Frustration? Envy? Boredom?
- Shift Your Focus: Once you’ve identified your emotions, consciously shift your focus to something positive. Maybe listen to your favourite song, watch a funny cat video, or call a friend.
Meta Model Questions: Challenging Unhelpful Thoughts
We can also use meta model questions help you unpack and challenge your limiting beliefs.
Here’s how to use them with social media blues:
- “What does ‘perfect’ mean to you?” Social media is a highlight reel, not real life. What does “perfection” actually look like? Is it realistic or helpful?
- “How else could you look at this?” Seeing someone else’s vacation photos might make you feel like you’re missing out. Could you instead focus on planning your own adventure sometime in the future?
- “Is this thought empowering or disempowering?” Does comparing yourself to others make you feel motivated or just plain bad? Focus on thoughts that inspire and uplift you.
Chase Away The Social Media Blues
Here are some additional tips for chasing away the social media blues:
- Be Mindful of Your Time: Set limits on how much time you spend on social media each day. Schedule time for other activities you enjoy.
- Curate Your Feed Your FYP: Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself or leave you feeling down. Follow accounts that inspire, motivate, and make you laugh.
- Focus on Real-Life Connections: Social media can’t replace face-to-face interaction. Spend time with friends and family in the real world.
- Focus on the Positive: Use social media to share positive experiences, connect with loved ones, and support causes you care about.
Conclusion: You Are in Control!
Social media can be a fun and informative tool, but it’s important to be mindful of its impact.
Remember, you are in control of what you see and how you react. So get empowered, build a social media experience that works for YOU!
