In the current digital age that we live in, social media and technology are such integral parts of our lives that it makes it hard to escape. At the Morning Routine with Rocki & Lacey, we are constantly trying to engage with our community through social media. As such, we often have to remind ourselves to take breaks from social media and we both tried to commit to this over the past weekend.
Did we succeed? No. But we can always give it another shot. While social media and technology have so many positive benefits, like connectivity to friends and family, and unlimited access to information, they also have a profound impact on our mental health that some people seem to ignore, including myself. Looking at it, there’s a lot of ways social media and technology can harm our mental health.
- Comparison as the thief of joy: Social media only shows the highlight reels of others’ lives, leading to unrealistic comparisons and decreased self-esteem.
- Affects on sleep patterns: Evening exposure to blue light screens and constant notifications can disrupt sleep patterns, which never helps mental health issues.
- Anxiety and stress: The pressure to present a perfect online persona, coupled with the fear of missing out (FOMO), can contribute to anxiety and stress.
- Further division of community: The anonymity of the internet can embolden individuals in engaging in divisive commentary and feelings of disconnection from their communities.
On the opposite hand, there are a lot of benefits to social media and the access it provides to people in building those relationships and groups that are necessary for mental health.
- Access to online groups : Online platforms and groups provide a wealth of information, support groups, and mental health resources.
- Connection and Community: Social media can help people connect with others who share similar experiences, reducing feelings of loneliness.
- Mental Health Tools: Apps and online tools offer guided meditations, mood tracking, and stress management techniques.
So, what are some ways we can mitigate some of the negative effects of social media? There’s a lot of things you can do to build a healthier relationship with your social media and technology usage: establish screen-free zones and times (such as during meals or before bed), utilize apps that promote mental health (such as meditation guides or mood trackers), and regularly disconnect and take a step away from social media and technology. All of these will help
By being aware of the potential effects of social media and technology on mental health, we can take steps to mitigate the negative influences and cultivate a healthier relationship with technology. By finding a balance and establishing some moderation, we can all improve together. Let’s see if Rocki and I can make better choices! Stick around to find out!
