Dealing With Social Media Anxiety

Source: blogs.lse.ac.uk

 

Social media offers much convenience to anyone who owns an account. It makes finishing job faster through collaborating with other people with the use of online chat. It is also an avenue to sell or buy things with ease.

 

Social media is a game changer not only for relationships with people but also for the global market as well. However, using these platforms has its advantages and disadvantages.

 

We are living in a time where social media reigns supreme. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat. These are some of the tools of the trade. If you want to be a social media “influencer,” you have to update each site almost every day.

 

Every post, like, and the picture has a meaning. Moreover, the lack thereof has a purpose too. Complying with this system can also be overbearing for people who tend to think a lot.

What Is Social Media Anxiety?

 

Focusing your attention mainly on your social media accounts will reap its consequences and soon turn into what is called as Social Media Anxiety. People who dwell so much on social media continuously see their friends share videos, upload photos, and update their status.

 

Source: balboahorizons.com

 

These same people who see these updates every day cannot help but compare their current life with the ones they see, telling themselves that they are missing out so much in life and thus falling into despair.

“We don’t always know causation in psychology — especially without being able to measure something for a long time — but there are a lot of correlational studies that are pointing to social media and digital phone use,” – Alicia H. Clark, Psy.D.

Not only this, but Social media also pave an avenue for online bullying to the point where people are committing suicide because they can no longer tolerate such acts.

 

How can we deal with the stress (moreover, the anxiety) of living in this day and age of social media?

 

  • Go Offline

The most straightforward and most logical way to deal with social media anxiety is to not participate in social media activities. However, this does not come as an easy task. It is especially true if you are that kind of person who uses social media as a primary source of information.

 

However, it is essential to recognize this as the first step to let go of your anxiety and get a grip again. Log off from your social media accounts for a set number of days.

 

You will be surprised that your productivity has increased significantly during this duration. Instead of focusing your energies on scrolling through social media, you will notice that you have used this time to refocus and redirect your attention to other things.

 

 

  • Find What Truly Makes You Happy

 

“Happy people make healthier choices,” explains Scott Glassman, PsyD. Think of other activities that excite you apart from spending your time on social media. Does bonding with your family increase your endorphins? Spend your quality time thinking of creative ways to increase bonding time with your family without spending too much!

 

Source: femrasot.com

 

Mentally take note of the people you constantly follow on social media. Discern why you follow them closely.

 

You may have followed them for a reason. Is it because the people you follow get to travel a lot? Alternatively, do they tend to eat great food? Bring your internet skills to a test by researching on how you can achieve these yourself.

“The rise and growing significance of social media has caused an influx of mental health concerns, such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Now is the time to start paying attention to how social media is influencing your life choices and mental health.” –Brie Shelly, MS, LMHC, RYT

Live your life fully by letting go of your social media anxiety. Use it for what it is, as a tool to market products and connect with friends and family. You do not have to stress yourself out!

 

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