Think about the last time you felt a rush from social media \u2013 the likes, comments, and attention \u2013 it\u2019s intoxicating. Now, think back to a time when social media left you feeling empty, sad, or worthless. It\u2019s a shocking contrast.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no wonder social media can evoke so many different feelings. Every like, comment, repost, or DM triggers a blast of dopamine, the hormone tied to the pleasure and reward centers in our brains. Social media companies have honed and developed \u201calgorithms\u201d to boost our time on their platforms and increase revenue. An unintended consequence of this is that many people become emotionally invested and even addicted to using social media<\/a>.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s admit it: social media is great for connecting and spreading information. But it would be disingenuous to say it’s all smiles. If you\u2019re here, you\u2019ve felt sad because of social media. That\u2019s valid. It can bring up negative feelings and affect your self-worth, but it doesn’t mean it\u2019s making<\/em> you depressed.<\/p>\n Research shows that there is a link between increased social media use and depression. But more research needs to be done to fully understand what that looks like [1]. It is possible that you are depressed, and social media isn\u2019t helping. Ignoring those feelings of sadness over long periods can lead to more severe issues, like clinical depression<\/a>, if left untreated.<\/p>\n It can be hard to recognize when social media starts to weigh you down more than it uplifts. A good rule of thumb is to watch for clear red flags, such as comparing yourself, seeking validation, or spending too much time on your screen.<\/p>\n As humans, comparing ourselves is natural. But, if you find yourself scrolling endlessly on celebrity, influencer, or even friends\u2019 and acquaintances\u2019 profiles, thinking you should be more like them in one way or another, that\u2019s a red flag that something is wrong. It\u2019s one thing to check someone\u2019s profile out of curiosity, but it\u2019s another issue when you fixate on these accounts and start comparing yourself to them.<\/p>\n Social media comparisons and FOMO, or fear of missing out, are also interconnected. You know the feeling if you\u2019ve ever seen a group of friends hanging out at a get-together you weren’t invited to. You feel excluded, and your insecurities are amplified, leading to comparisons that negatively impact your well-being over time. Interpreting social rejection triggers a physiological response, much like physical pain.\u00a0[2]<\/p>\n Validation is a fundamental need. It’s natural to seek praise for a job well done or to appreciate compliments about your appearance. But seeking validation on social media can lead to feeling rejected.<\/p>\n Some red flags include:<\/p>\n Seeking validation from social media and relying on it as your sole source can lead to dependence on seeking external validation. If we\u2019re unable to self-validate, we could experience low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression.<\/p>\n Research on appropriate screen time varies per person and age group. [3] Most smartphones have features that track screen time and offer limits and restrictions on apps and communication. However, in general, it\u2019s best to assume that spending more than a couple of hours on social media every day is a sign you might be struggling with something deeper, maybe even an addiction<\/a>.<\/p>\n Social media is all about connection.\u00a0 It\u2019s a fantastic tool for connecting with loved ones and new friends, but it can also be a slippery slope.<\/p>\n Fixating on the number of followers, likes, and comments can damage your in-person relationships. You could neglect your real-life connections or become so focused on how you\u2019re perceived that it negatively affects those interactions. Ultimately, this can harm your emotional well-being and sense of fulfillment.<\/p>\n That\u2019s not to say that there are no benefits to using social media. It can foster connections and help you stay in touch with loved ones. It\u2019s just important to understand it is not a replacement for real-life experiences and relationships.<\/p>\n Social media should be a tool you use, not a tool that uses you. At the same time, it isn’t going away anytime soon. It will continue to be integrated into our social lives. That\u2019s why moderation and education are the path forward. There are practical ways to go about doing this.<\/p>\n Set boundaries by:<\/a><\/p>\n Validate yourself by:<\/p>\n Connect with friends for support (who maybe aren’t addicted to social media):<\/p>\n You took a big step by recognizing that you feel sad on social media, and now you can take the steps necessary to change that. Know that your worth is not tied to your presence on these platforms. With or without social media, you are worthy of affection, validation, and companionship.<\/p>\n Show References<\/a><\/p>\n Think about the last time you felt a rush from social media \u2013 the likes, comments, and attention \u2013 it\u2019s intoxicating. Now, think back to a time when social media left you feeling empty, sad, or worthless. It\u2019s a shocking contrast. It\u2019s no wonder social media can evoke so many different feelings. Every like, comment, … <\/p>\nRed flags<\/h2>\n
Comparison<\/h3>\n
Validation<\/h3>\n
\n
Too much screen time<\/h3>\n
Digital connection<\/h2>\n
Living your best life with or without social media<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n