Self-worth weighing on selfies and status updates
Send. Reply. Update. Tweet. Every day, the click of a single button is capable of informing a mass number of people of your whereabouts and daily activities. A “like” on that beach photo from your reading-week getaway, or a congratulations on nabbing that perfect summer job – these are not bad things. However, there are more and more studies emerging on the noticeable long term effects occurring from extensive social media usage. Across the board, the reports are suggesting that the use of sites such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram are affecting the way that people view themselves and engage with others both on, and offline.
Social media outlets can have an affect on your wellbeing – be sure to monitor your use of it.
The sharing of one’s life over the internet is not an inherently negative thing, but it is important to question what is occurring and why. An issue that is starting to be addressed is “Facebook Envy,” or the emotional toll these communities are taking and the disconnect they are capable of causing. The newsfeed so often seems to be flooded with others’ ongoing accomplishments, rendering users often unsatisfied by their own achievements; people seeming to forget that they are observing a mass intake of images from a multitude of people, incapable of separating their own value.
Another common occurrence is trouble in dividing yourself from the online persona created, as you are presenting moments from your everyday life, as you’re experiencing it. It makes perfect sense how one could lose a sense of living in the moment, when we can so easily live it through a screen and immediately share it with others.
Social media offers extensive pros and cons, but one cannot impress enough the importance of staying mindful in a plugged-in world, and disconnecting every now and then. What are some tips for combatting the challenges of separating yourself from the stress of social media?
Enjoy all its benefits, but be aware of when they stop. Be conscious of how you feel while using it, as well as after.
Remember that they are real people under the updates and photos – they are affected by your words and criticisms.
You are seeing chosen snapshots of someone’s reality – don’t forget that and be kind when comparing yourself to others.
Question how much of your time, energy, and attention is drawn to these sites
Like all things, moderation is key to maintaining a healthy relationship between the self and social media. Don’t forget to check in with yourself every once in a while and examine how these sites are affecting and benefiting you. Just because social media has become a fixture in our world, that doesn’t mean that we mustn’t evaluate its accomplishments and detriments from time to time.