So, chances are that now you think social media is completely negative. Or that it can probably only be used for good when you limit it. And the latter is partly true-but not entirely. Social media can have a plethora of good effects, when used in the right way. And so now you might be thinking that you know what I’m about to say, that you need to limit your amount of time on social media and stop scrolling so much. But actually, there are many more useful ways that a lot of people don’t tell you.
For example…
Have intentions for your social session.
It sounds weird, but it’ll make sense. Instead of going onto, say, TikTok, for scrolling because you’re bored, have an objective. Try to find recipes, even if you’re not hungry. Or look at some news. Maybe log on just to see friend’s updates and the latest dance trends that you can try-and then find a tutorial or spend some time trying to replicate it. The point is, setting an objective automatically makes your time more productive. The problem may not necessarily be that you’re spending too much time on social media-it’s just that you aren’t using that time positively. You get what I mean?
Engaging with people.
Studies have actually found that people who engage with their social media have a less likely chance to be depressed than people who passively use social media, just scrolling with no interaction. You might be wondering how that’s possible-it’s because to them, they are connecting rather than comparing. They connect and build relationships with others through commenting and liking posts, whereas if they were just scrolling they might see the post and compare it to themselves, which can cause FOMO and depression. They might also have a different mindset which is more positive.
Use it in moderation.
I know that this is the tip you were waiting for-what website that talks about social media and mental health doesn’t? But, it’s true. Consider it-everything in excess isn’t good for us. Sugar messes up our bodies when overdosed, medicine can do some really nasty things, and social media is no different. After all, if we revolve our lives around the digital landscape, how will we ever learn to separate digital from reality? It’s always important to use social media in moderation and have a balance between digital and real.
Perfection? Never heard of her.
Far too often, people will look online and see fabricated versions of people. They share their best moments. And that actually causes a lot of the negative effects of social media. By sharing your struggles, instant messaging your friends, posting the real side of things, you can help to break that illusion. It helps to take pressure off of you and can help others too by being able not to see that reality isn’t always happy.
So, hopefully after using these tips and trusting yourself, you can use social media more responsibly. The key isn’t to remove it from your life because that’s impossible. The key is just to use it wisely and learn to live with it while not neglecting other aspects of life. Always remember to have balance.
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