How to Understand and Deal With Social Media Anxiety

Know When to Draw the Line in Your Quest for Social Media Likes

The advent of social media platforms over the last decade has drastically altered how we communicate with one another. In 2005, 5% of adults in the United States used at least one social networking platform. Around seven out of ten Americans now use social media. People are connecting more than ever before through social media. According to a systematic review, not only has social media impacted our connections and connectedness, but it has also had an impact on our mental health.

Unfortunately, continual images and updates from others on social media frequently lead to social comparison, feelings of inadequacy, FOMO, and low self-esteem. Individuals who are managing their mental health, are prone to social anxiety, or are trying to figure out who they are may be more influenced by social media’s impact. Adolescents and young people who spend more than two hours each day on social networking sites are more likely to suffer from psychological distress, according to research.

It’s critical to prioritize your mental health if your social media use is interfering with your daily life or giving you emotional discomfort. Here’s how to recognize your social media anxiety and prioritize your mental health.

1. Make better use of social media.

We all know how distracting social media can be. You may pick up your phone to check the weather or send a text, only to find yourself an hour later reading through Instagram or Twitter. Instead of aimlessly scrolling, consider utilizing social media more deliberately to break the habit of checking your newsfeed when you’re bored. Try removing apps from your phone, shutting off notifications, checking out of your social media accounts, or placing time limitations on your social media use to manage excessive levels of anxiety.

Remember that social media sites have their uses and that you don’t have to fully avoid them. News apps and social networking sites like LinkedIn, on the other hand, can become addicting. Consider devoting an hour per day to catching up on Instagram or Facebook. Then, for the remainder of the day, avoid scrolling by closing the app.

2. Remind yourself that likes aren’t the same as approval.

It’s important to remember that your social media response isn’t a reflection of your self-worth. It’s pointless to build your self-esteem on how many people like your Instagram photos or watch your Snapchat tales. It doesn’t matter how the rest of the world feels as long as you’re happy with yourself.

Take a moment to consider how your use of social media is affecting your mood if you’re continually picking up your smartphone or reloading social media applications to check your likes. Spend less time on social media or go on a social media detox if it’s making you feel uneasy. Spending a day or a week away from social media might help you build more meaningful connections in your face-to-face conversations, lessen anxiety symptoms, and spend more time doing activities that make you happy.

3. Prioritize your mental wellness.

While social networking has its advantages, it can also be addictive. Spending too much time on social media can have a bad impact on your mental health, especially if you’re depressed or have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Self-esteem concerns, feelings of loneliness, depressive symptoms, and other mental health issues can all be exacerbated by social media use.

If you’re having problems reducing your social media usage or are experiencing psychological anguish, get professional assistance. Social media weariness is real, and if left unchecked, bad social media habits may affect every aspect of your life, leaving you anxious and depleted of energy. Working with a psychologist can help you limit your time on social media so you can focus on activities that will nourish and develop you.

Reach out to a therapist through the Therapy Group of NYC to discover a mental health expert. We understand that beginning therapy can be daunting, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. One of our kind, experienced mental health specialists will work with you to manage your anxiety, cut down on your social media usage, and begin living a more productive, fulfilled life.

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