I've been spending quite a lot of time on social media. To get more exposure for my blog, I've signed up for more social media platforms like Tumblr and Pinterest. I've been sucked into these new worlds and with the time I have to myself during this summer, I've been staring at my Instagram, Flickr, and Pinterest a little too often for my liking. But, recently, with the increased amount of time I've been spending on these apps, I've also been able to figure out a way for the information that I receive on these apps to be put to better use so that I'm not simply staring at the black mirror and wasting my special summer time away.

One of the biggest things I've stopped doing is comparing myself to what other people may be posting. It's summer and many of my friends are out traveling the world: a few in Paris, a few in Tokyo, so many out in Hawaii. What's not to be jealous of? Of course, I often see everyone's posts and feel a bit jealous, but instead of wallowing by myself in my home with that jealousy, I let myself be happy for the person. That person is having the time of their life! What's not to be happy? This has helped me avoid the negative self-harming effects often associated with social media.

Another thing that I've also started doing is allow myself to feel inspired by the content that other bloggers, as well as friends, create. I follow people and pages that open my mind to new perspectives that could potentially help me creatively or even academically. And I spend most of my social media time looking, analyzing and enjoying the work of artists, photographers, and other people I know to help my own work and mind.

Social media is such a wealth of information that shouldn't be overlooked. I'm not saying it's necessary or essential, but social media can be really great if used and looked at without a self-deprecating lens. It can be hard, but it's been really helpful for me.