In this day and age, opening up your phone in your free time to mindlessly scroll through social media is a common habit. The idea of Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and all the other apps are still fairly new and fun, but can bring stress by using them. However, participating in the internet should be a fun experience for everyone.
Here's how I made social media a better place for me - and you should too!
Turn off lock screen notifications.
I'm not saying you have to do this with every sociable application you have, because I understand sometimes some messages need to be answered quickly at times, like Snapchat. However, I found that turning off my notifications that turn my phone on every time I receive a like on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc., I stay off the app more.
Mute friends, unfollow strangers.
Despite what you may think, it's OK to take people off your feed. Yes, even if they're a nice person and really haven't done anything wrong. If what they're posting isn't making you feel good, then hit that unfollow button. If you're too close to them to not be virtual friends, then navigate to the mute button.
Spend time with other people who couldn't care less about social media image.
From personal experience, I can say that having friends who spill their whole lives through quirky photos on Instagram are the worst to have. Not that there's anything wrong with having fun and posting what you like, but there is something wrong when the situation turns sour.
Sometimes people fall into the "post a picture or it didn't happen," mindset, and this puts unnecessary stress to always post on social media every time you step foot out of your house. Surrounding yourself with people who love being with you just for you, and not photos of you, are who you need most.
Stop checking your likes and follows.
It's tempting to constantly refresh after posting a cute selfie to see who's liked it yet. Constantly scrolling through the large list of countless usernames underneath your post can get exhausting, and I would recommend not doing it. Personally, after I post something, I exit the app and check back later.
Only view things that make you feel good.
This may seem easier said than done, especially since social media is notorious for putting things in our way that we never wanted to see. But after some time of carefully giving your likes, unfollowing what makes you unhappy or uncomfortable, and putting a stop to constantly checking your notifications, your social media account will be a much more fun place to be.
