Social media and your mental health
As the newest social media platform, Threads, makes its debut, we want to have a conversation about the impact of social media on our mental health.
On average, Canadians are spending more than two hours a day on social media. Whether you’re scrolling through Instagram, watching videos on YouTube, getting caught up on your TikTok feed, or catching up on your favourite Influencers, it all counts. Let’s remember, they are called Influencers for a reason. The messages, images and information we are exposed to on social media can affect how we view the world and how we see ourselves.
Recent research is starting to really highlight the negative impact of social media, especially on young people. Excessive social media use can be linked to everything from low self-esteem to eating disorders.
Creating a false reality
It’s not that surprising. Filters change dark and dingy photos to bright, sun-filled spaces. Strategic angles make someone look 25 lbs thinner than they are in real life. Do we know that? Sure. Do we retain it when we’re scrolling through? Or do we just feel bad that we weigh more than we want and our pictures always have a yellow tinge.
“When we begin to compare ourselves to social media and the things we’re seeing and hearing, that’s when the problems begin,” says Emma Wearing with Some Other Solutions.
We need to remember social media is a glimpse into the lives of others, but doesn’t tell even close to the full story, if even half of the truth.
How to filter your social media feed
There are a few ways to filter through your social feeds to lessen the impact on your mental health.
Any ideas to add to this? Let us know in the comments!
Reduce the amount of channels you’re on. Do you really need TikTok, SnapChat, Instagram, Facebook and Threads? Probably not. Pick one or two that you really enjoy and have authentic connections on and disable the rest.
Connect with strategic community groups. There are some incredibly positive groups on social that are bringing together people from around the world. Join these groups and be part of a positive, uplifting community.
Take every post with a grain of salt. See the photo, enjoy the video and then remind yourself that it’s not the whole story.
Stop scrolling before bed. You’ve heard it before and we’ll say it again. Turn off the screens before bed and move your phone to another room. Give your brain the space to rest, recover and remind yourself who you are and your worth. Because outside of whatever is happening in the social sphere, you matter. End of story.
Still feeling overwhelmed and heavily influenced by social media? Consider reaching out to one of our counsellors to chat. Click the book now button at the top of our website.