Can Social Media Really Impact Anxiety?
In this day in age, social media is everywhere. Younger, older, it doesn’t really seem to matter, and it appears to be here to stay! Social media is, indeed, a big part of our lives. It helps us stay connected with friends, discover new things, and share moments about our lives. But for some people, especially those with an anxious brain, using social media can lead to an increase in anxiety. Let’s look at how social media affects our thoughts and feelings and what we can do to manage it better.
Ways Social Media Can Lead to More Anxiety
Comparing Yourself to Others: Social media often shows the best parts of people’s lives. When you see posts about vacations, new clothes, or big achievements, it’s easy to compare them to your own life. This can make you feel like you’re not doing enough or missing out, which can increase anxiety. People almost always put their best foot forward on social media, and this can leave us with unwanted feelings of shame, jealousy, or even feeling like we aren’t doing enough. Don’t believe the hype!
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Seeing updates about parties, events, or activities can make you feel like you’re not part of the fun. This fear of missing out can create a sense of anxiety, as if you’re not living up to expectations or losing out on important experiences.
Constant Notifications: Social media keeps us updated with constant notifications and messages. This never-ending stream of information can feel overwhelming and stressful, making it hard to relax and unwind.
Negative Comments and Cyberbullying: Sometimes, people receive hurtful comments or experience cyberbullying online. Negative interactions can be really upsetting and contribute to feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem.
Ways to Feel Reduced Anxiety About Social Media
Limit Your Time: Set specific times for using social media and stick to them. This helps prevent you from getting lost in endless scrolling and feeling overwhelmed. Waking up first thing in the morning and setting the tone of your day with social media may not be the best choice.
Curate Your Feed: Follow accounts that make you feel happy and positive. Unfollow or mute accounts that bring you down or increase your anxiety.
Take Breaks: Don’t be afraid to take a break from social media. A short time away can help you recharge and focus on things that make you feel good offline.
Be Aware of Your Feelings: Pay attention to how social media affects your mood. If you notice it makes you anxious, try to understand why and take steps to address it. You can even track your feelings of worry or anxiety in a journal or tracking sheet to see the data for yourself.
Talk to Someone: If social media is making you anxious, talk to a friend, family member, or counselor/therapist about how you’re feeling. Sometimes sharing your worries can make a big difference.
Engage in Offline Activities: Find activities you enjoy outside of social media, like reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones. These activities can help balance your online time and reduce anxiety. There are many benefits to finding physical and social outlets that promote feeling good hormones and reduce anxiety. Just being outside and enjoying what you see can be better than scrolling!
Social media has benefits, but it can also impact our mental health in different ways. By being mindful of how we use social media and taking steps to manage our online experience, we can help keep anxiety at bay and lead a more balanced and happy life. How does social media feel to you?
