Handling social media use

Healthy and effective ways to be a social media regularly without damaging mental health


Olivia Sunderland, Writer

Some people truly can not get enough of social media, which can take a major toll on their mental health. While it seems harmless, it could be doing a ton of damage on one’s mental well being without them knowing it. Medicalnewstoday.com wrote in a 2021 article, “in 2012, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that Facebook use may feed anxiety and increase a person’s feeling of inadequacy.” Achievements and self-esteem decrease because people compare themselves to others on social media without realizing they are doing it. It is highly recommended that the younger generation limit their time on social media, but for some, that is not an option. Fortunately, there are ways the social media fanatics can stay on social media regularly without damaging their mental health. 

Social media is addicting, people could scroll on it all day which can lead to endless time inside without any fresh air. Mind.com from the UK says in a later article, “spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. For example, doing things like growing food or flowers, exercising outdoors or being around animals can have lots of positive effects.” Growing a garden in the backyard or in a sunny inside room can give people an escape from the online world without having to limit usage of it. Nature and fresh air is like medicine for those struggling internally, allowing oxygen to go through the body and to the lungs gives people more control over their breathing and a sense of relief. After spending most of the day on social media, take a minute to get a breath of fresh air to keep mindsets in a healthy place. 

Remember to put things into perspective. Most of the things people see on social media are photoshopped or completely untrue. Liz Leone is a social media influencer who discusses her mental health battles and her eating disorder caused by social media through a podcast called Sikeward. Liz said, “I’m grateful I didn’t live through the surge in popularity of photoshopped IG models during my most impressionable years, but I know that isn’t the case for teenagers these days.” In the past, social media was not a thing and in the early years when it was, there were no photoshopped photos nor toxic beauty standards, it was fun at the time. It is very important to keep in mind the unhealthy beauty standards if people intend to stay on social media constantly. Liz feels it is important to stay away from the unhealthy body standards, she adds, “It’s so important to follow pages that will help your growth, positive influences on your psyche, and not pages that push unrealistic beauty standards.” A great influencer to follow is @brittanilancaster on Instagram, she discusses body image and how to stay mentally healthy while being a part of social media platforms.