Ready for some bad news? A new study surveyed 1,787 adults between the ages of 19 and 32 and found out their social media habits. The results aren’t so exciting; it showed that adults who use social media are way more likely to be depressed. This had me thinking about ways I could channel my social media usage in a more positive way. We are all so familiar and in tune with some social media habits that we aren’t realizing they’re actually making us feel terrible. So, here’s a list of social media habits that can get you feeling down, and how to fix it.
1. Comparing yourself to other people.
Admit it, we all do it, even without realizing it. Scrolling down your feed, whether it is Facebook or Instagram, there will always be people you compare yourself to. Questions like, “How are her legs so skinny? How can he afford that car? Did she really go on another vacation?” You see so many people doing so well, and you start to question your own life. This can take a huge toll on self-esteem, and can leave you feeling extremely depressed. Just always remember this: People post what they want other people to see. You don’t see their real life, only snippets of the good stuff. Don’t analyze someone’s life because of what they post, because they could actually be going through a lot of hardships you’re not aware of.
2. Letting social media take up your whole day.
The first thing I do when I wake up is check social media. I go on Twitter, check Instagram, click through some Snapchat and then I start my day. After this, I try not to touch social media until the end of my day. Think about the times when you’re waiting for class to start, walking home, or lying in bed. These moments where you’re catching up on social media can really add up. Even though we may use social media a little bit at a time and doesn’t feel like a lot, we still do it throughout the whole day. Checking your phone that often is not the best way to live.
3. Living for social media rather than yourself.
Ever been out and bought something because you knew deep down it would look really good on Instagram? You may start doing things so people know that you did it. You may even Snapchat yourself getting reckless at a party just because it will look cool or funny. Or worst of all, you may tweet something that can be really hurtful, just to get retweets. Motivation for what you do should not stem from social media popularity, it makes you look inauthentic. Just because it will look good online, does not mean it should be done. Think before you post!
4. Being exposed to bad news…pretty often.
Facebook is basically the center for bad news. Someone just broke up, died, got arrested, etc. It can be way too much to handle at a point, and it’s something you would not be exposed to if you didn’t have social media. Exposing yourself to negativity just sucks the joy out of you. It’s important to know the good that is happening in the world, but sometimes the Internet will only show you the bad (and honestly, who wants to see political rants nonstop?)
5. Not effectively communicating with others.
I’ll admit, social media is a great way to keep in touch with people you would otherwise lose connections with. I’m able to talk to distant family and friends with the help of Facebook. But, instead of calling or texting them, we like their statuses and pictures. It’s a hypothetical way of saying “I saw this! So I know you’re doing well,“ but not actually saying those words. Instead of meeting with old friends over lunch, we check their social media. We’re connected with them, but not really. It could, in turn, make you feel really lonely in the long run. Try and reach out to people you're curious about and instead of liking their pictures. Instead, schedule a lunch date. Face to face interaction is always a better choice.
