How To Use Social Media Wisely. Questions To Ask Yourself.

Social Media Negative Effects

I.N.S.T.A.G.R.A.M.

I 

Need

Someone’s 

Time

Attention (and)

Glory

Running

After 

Me

What’s your gut reaction when you read that? Is it something you have seen in others? Something you’ve seen in yourself? Do you tend to chase after likes, shares, views, and follows; as if THAT were the new way to be “in the pursuit of happiness?” As a therapist that provides online counseling in California, I sit down with people every day that are looking to social media to feel better. Typically, they leave it feeling worse than when they got there. I help my clients navigate social media, reflect on its impact, and identify self-imposed boundaries if needed.

Do You Have Instagram Anxiety? Is Social Media Bad For You?

It may be worth considering if social media platforms serve you, or if you are serving the platform. It's possible that you may come out behind in the transaction; in time, energy, mood, finances, and life satisfaction. Have you considered limiting social media use? Are self-imposed personal boundaries appropriate, or stifling? Let’s reflect a little.

Disclaimer: Now, I should start off by saying that I do not hate all social media use, nor do I find it to be the biggest evil ever created. I mean, come on… I’m using social media platforms to have this discussion. I have social media accounts to provide information and promote my business. I have an entirely online private practice and am not afraid of the internet or social media. When I can, I make sure it is a value add and not a thief of joy. Given that reality, let’s first look at some of the positive uses of social media.

Social media can be a great place to stay connected with family that lives far away, interact with friends, promote one’s business and services, connect with others that have similar special interests, learn something on a new topic, etc.. 

I’m sure there are other benefits I missed, but you’ve got the idea. If we say that social media has its place and can be useful, then we want to ask if it serves us well, or adds to our discontent and anxiety?

Reflect on this:  Do I actually use social media for the perceived benefits?  To connect, stay in touch, build up relationships, be served, or serve others? Or has it slipped into something else?

If used for something else, it may be beneficial to identify whether social media is being used to:

• Determine our value.  By likes, views, follows, shares. 

• Tell us what we want.

• Tell us WHO we are. 

• Tell us whether or not we are liked. 

• Tell us whether or not we matter.

• Distract us from living our actual life.

• Distract us from noticing we aren’t living in alignment with our values

• Validate our opinions.

• Act out, rebel, and/or inappropriately use attention seeking behavior.

• Tell us that we are...right.  Ouch.

• Remind us of what we don’t have, by looking at other’s “half-truths,” and feeling discontent that we don’t have what they actually don’t have either.

• Post our own “half-truths” to feel “worthwhile,” or in hopes of convincing ourselves and others that our life is something more than we really feel it is?
  
  When we use social media for these “other” purposes, do we actually feel more fulfilled? Or does it add to our dissatisfaction and leave us feeling more empty and with a bigger void than when we began? Again, do we end up giving ourselves Instagram anxiety? It’s easy to see that there are at least some negative effects of social media on mental health.

Each Month Thousands Search “Social Media Negative Effects.”  Ummm, Why Do You Think That Is?

You don’t need 237 peer-reviewed articles in a psychological journal or a well-known documentary to tell you. We all know that while it has its place, it is not actually “good” for us. So, what do you do?

Do you even consider limiting time on social media?

Are you missing out on living your actual life by using social media and not putting your attention and efforts elsewhere? Only you know the answer for you, but it is certainly a question worth asking.

If you find yourself discontent and stuck, whether or not you feel social media has anything to do with it, it’s okay to ask for help! If you are looking for psychotherapy in Los Angeles, email sean@greenercounseling.com for a free 15-minute consultation. My specialties include: EMDR Intensives, Anxiety Therapy Online California, Brainspotting Los Angeles, CBT Los Angeles, Introvert Anxiety, Social Anxiety Therapy, People Pleasing Anxiety, Therapy for Introverts.