The Positive Side Of Social Media
However, recently people have also established connections between social media and mental health, especially among younger people. In times like these, when screen time is rising and we’re encouraged to stay indoors, it’s important to make sure we use social media positively and responsibly, not only for our own well-being but for the well-being of our friends and followers. We’ve come up with some ideas to help do just that.
---- Stop Doomscrolling ----
Doomscrolling is the compulsion to consume negative news on social media. In Psychology Today, Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. writes that our brains are hardwired to doomscroll, especially in times of uncertainty.
According to experts at the University of Pittsburgh, the reason people are incessantly scrolling for negative news is that “we’re hard-wired for it on an evolutionary level because if we learn about the big scary thing or we get the answers, then we can control our environment.”
Doomscrolling can lead to anxiety, depression, and fatigue because, as Law of Attraction teacher, Esther Hicks, says, “Your life is but a reflection of the predominance of your thoughts.”
----- Use Social Media Mindfully -----
According to research from UBC Okanagan, passively scrolling through posts may not result in feelings of happiness. This is because focusing on “what is” is never conducive to happiness.
As Esther Hicks writes in her book The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham, “In order for things to change, you have to see them as you want them to be rather than continuing to observe them as they are.”
----- Stop Social Comparisons -----
The research from UBC Okanagan also indicates what’s most important for overall happiness is how a person uses social media. If you’re comparing yourself with others while using social media, you will feel less happy.
The cure for that is to change your attitude, boost your self-esteem, and start focusing on more meaningful things in your life rather than empty comparisons to other people. Stop following Instagram or other social media accounts of people showing off their amazing lives, because that’s not real or authentic.
No one has a perfect life, so accept yourself the way you are and stop comparing yourself with others altogether, whether on social media or in real life.
----- Use Social Media For Learning -----
Is social media beneficial for students? Definitely! There’s no doubt that social media is good for students in terms of learning and education. But adults can also learn how to use social media as a learning tool.
Social networks like LinkedIn and online learning apps are all creating learning hubs where students and employees can up-skill, re-skill, and prepare themselves for a new world of remote work.
----- Connect With Loved Ones -----
Social media is a great way to stay in touch with your friends and family, whether they live nearby or across the globe. Use your social media channels to reach out and see how your loved ones are doing, share personal stories and photos and remind you of the important people in your life.
----- Follow and share inspiring stories -----
- Follow and share inspiring stories that make you feel confident and positive about your life. If a friend or influencer is sharing negative content that makes you anxious, sad, or insecure, remove that person from your news feed.
----- Organize a local service project -----
It's incredible what an Instagram post or story can do. Maybe it's creating a Facebook group for your school's Service and Key Club. Think about organizing a local service project and then announcing it on social media. Connect everyone on Instagram or Facebook Invite so everyone can come and take part.
AND ALWAYS
***Remember to Create a balance***
Create a balance between using social media and focusing on what’s in front of you. Take time to connect with your loved ones not only through technology but also through face-to-face interactions. This will help you be mindful of what’s real and most important to you.