Well, hello to you, my reader chums! I've had social media since I was a teenager, and back in the day, it was worlds away from what it is now. I don't envy teenagers today, and I can't imagine growing up with the influencer culture and TikTok world. I also work in social media and spend a lot of my time consuming online content, which isn't the healthiest, but I use my time mindfully, avoiding the negatives of social media.
If you're glued to social media like me, here are my thoughts on social media as a highlight reel.
I've spent too many hours scrolling on social media, feeling bad about myself, and comparing myself to other people's success, appearances and lifestyle. I have to constantly remind myself that social media is a highlight reel.
The definition of success is different for everyone. You are not somebody else. Your success is down to you, and you should be proud of that.
Here are a few ways to not feel intimidated by social media:
Reduce your screen time
Screen time is inevitable in today's world. I spend too long on my phone, scrolling and consuming content, which isn't okay. Reduce your screen time as much as you can by setting time limits on each app, putting your phone on do not disturb and having hours in the day where your phone isn't in reach.
Remind yourself that the online world isn't real
Influencers and people you know only post the good things online. Why would they post the low moments, the breakdowns or the hardships? Social media has been designed to share the best moments in life, highlights and achievements. Every time you see a new post, consider that, especially if you're feeling low, as that person has bad moments too. Their life isn't perfect.
Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad
We all follow accounts that make us doubt ourselves, whether it's a pretty celebrity or someone with an unrealistic lifestyle. If you're looking at their content and it's making you feel bad about yourself regularly, unfollow them. There's no point wasting your time and feeling negative emotions for the sake of social media. Unfollow, mute or block, whatever is easiest for you.
Limit your eyes to certain types of content
You can press 'not interested in this type of content' on certain apps if there's a theme or subject that you don't like, and it can stop being suggested on your feed. You want to make your feed a place of positivity and joy. You don't want to have a doom scroll and feel low. You want to get off your phone and feel educated and happy from what you've seen.
Consume what feels right to you
This leads to this point. What you consume has more of an effect than you think, especially if you're on your phone all day. If a topic or influencer makes you feel bad, reduce that content and find content that makes you feel better.
I hope you enjoyed the post. What would you add?
Thank you for reading <3
No comments
Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful in anyway. I'd love to hear any feedback you may have.