Social Media

As a teen in 2022 we have all been bombarded with the many pitfalls of Social Media. Yes, I am well aware that people only show you their best, airbrushed perfect self on Social Media and that it’s not real. The anonymity that Social Media can offer allows people to be cruel and rude. I recognize that I get depressed when not enough people like or comment on my pictures. I know that I get FOMO from seeing some friend’s accounts and I often feel excluded and out of some imaginary amazing loop. I know that Social Media is designed to primarily sell me things. I am aware of all of this. Yet, I needed to find a way to stop feeling so controlled by what I was seeing on my phone. Getting rid of my phone or Social Media was not an answer. It’s frustrating when parents and teachers think that it’s optional at this point.  It’s a part of our lifestyle and it’s here to stay. So I just had to figure out a better way to handle it. 

Some of the ways I’ve come up with are; firstly, limiting my time on Social Media. Instead of being constantly attached to my phone I take a break. I make sure I put my phone away an hour before I go to bed. I find this helps me wind down and not be so focused on everyone else as I’m falling asleep. I sleep better and feel less anxious when I wake up. The second thing I do is regulate my content. I don’t want to feel jealousy every time I see an event I was left out of. If I know that I find someone’s behavior hurtful I won’t follow them or allow them to follow me. I won’t follow accounts that trigger me. Lastly, I limit what I post. I’ve given myself the 5-year rule. I look at a picture or post and think “If I see this in 5 years, will I be proud, ashamed or indifferent that I posted this?” If the answer is proud or indifferent, I go for it.

These are small changes, but so far I’m feeling less anxious and less need to impress those around me. I hope I can keep this up.