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Is it possible to use social media in a healthy way? Yes, with our tips you can use social media and live a healthy life, both mentally and physically
How to deal with social media today
Social media is a welcome way to stay in touch with your fellow human beings. You can chat with each other, see what others are up to and stay informed! However, the constant confrontation with the outside world has certain dangers.
- Constant messages and push notifications, being available all the time, a constant need for attention, and unrealistic standards to compare oneself to make social media a dangerous environment for satisfaction and self-esteem.
- So, like many technological innovations, social media offers advantages and disadvantages.
This is what a healthy approach to social media looks like
Social media can also be used in a healthy way. However, it takes self-discipline. Here are three tips for healthy coexistence with social media:
- Limit time on platforms: It has been proven in various studies that social media consumption can lead to depression, anxiety, stress and high blood pressure. In 2020, the average person under 24 already spent more than three hours a day on social networks. Everyone should try to reduce the number of hours to a healthier level. This study by Melissa G. Hunt, Rachel Marx, Courtney Lipson and Jordyn Young recommends spending just 30 minutes a day on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and the like. It can help to deactivate notifications of the apps in the mobile phones.
- Don’t believe everything you see: Social media is masterful at playing up a glossed-over world for users. People compare themselves to what other people post. Beautiful holidays, expensive cars and perfect bodies quickly make you envious and sad. But of course, users only post what they want people to see. No influencer’s life looks 24/7 the way it is portrayed online. And especially with photos, there is filtering, editing and cheating. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t believe everything you’re being led to believe.
- Question the purpose of social media: Social networks are not charities. Their aim is always to make a profit too. Companies earn money from the advertising they show to users. And the longer you use the social services, the more advertising revenue you bring in. The documentary “The Social Dilemma” shows frighteningly how heartless and efficient algorithms are in keeping users on social media. So if you find yourself scrolling through Instagram for hours on end or clicking on one recommended video from YouTube after another, be sure to question why you’re doing it, whether it’s a good use of your time and who’s really benefiting from it.
