Did you know that social media is used by 80% of the Australian population? On the one hand, this is great news because it allows more people to connect, be entertained, and stay informed at any time of day or night.
On the other hand, social media isn’t without its drawbacks. It has risks, including the possibility of exacerbating mental health symptoms due to overuse or online hostility.
So, how do we use social media responsibly, taking advantage of what it has to offer while avoiding the negative effects it can have on our mental health?
LIMIT YOUR USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA.
It is critical to keep social media from distracting you from important aspects of your life. Consider committing to times and activities where you will not be using social media. Plan to avoid using social media while chatting with your partner, playing with a child, or otherwise socialising in person. This results in a higher quality connection with those you care about.
It’s also a good idea to avoid using social media before or while sleeping, as this can disrupt your sleep and negatively impact your mental health.
There are tools available to help you limit your social media usage. You can, for example, use your phone’s settings to disable social media notifications at work or during mealtimes, or you can put your phone in aeroplane mode. There are also apps on your devices that can assist you by notifying you of how much time you spend on your device each day and allowing you to set dedicated times or time limits for apps that you use.
CONNECT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media allows you to connect with people from all over the world at any time. This is a huge benefit, especially if you are far away from people you care about or have difficulty leaving your home. However, studies show that people who passively browse or scroll social media experience more symptoms of depression than those who actively post or interact with others. So, if you’re using social media to connect, cut back on the scrolling! Instead, post more, tag people, chat with people you know in real life, or meet new people online.
Furthermore, many people find peers with similar mental health issues on social media. These are individuals who have had similar mental health experiences. The anonymity afforded by social media allows some people to express themselves more freely, allowing them to share and connect with online friends and communities who understand.
ESTABLISH A SAFE SOCIAL MEDIA SPACE
It’s time to start curating a social media feed that makes you feel happy, confident, and secure. What are your interests, hobbies, and passions? Whether you’re interested in learning to play the guitar, activism, or DIY projects, there will be people to follow who can give you great advice or inspire you.
There are some safe and stigma-free spaces on social media for people who live with mental health issues or neurodiversity. This can be an excellent method for locating empowering voices and role models.
UNFOLLOW ACCOUNTS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE
Take note of any posts or accounts that evoke negative emotions such as fear, guilt, or a sense of not being good enough. Consider unfollowing or hiding these accounts. You can also report accounts or advertisements that you believe are unsafe for you or others.
The accounts you mute could also include your Facebook friends’ lives! People on social media frequently portray a positive and idealised version of themselves. This can make you feel embarrassed or envious, as if you don’t measure up. According to one study, Facebook posts from our friends make us feel worse than other types of Facebook posts.
