Social media has become like a camera lens through which we view the world. One where we’re constantly exposed to the images of other people’s lives. From perfect vacations to flawless family moments we view images that paint a picture of happiness and success. We all know we don’t always see the reality of life but we do forget this. Social media can take a toll on our mental health in ways we don’t always realise.🌿
When we scroll through feeds of people’s lives, it’s easy to get caught in the comparison trap. It’s easy to feel like we’re the only ones struggling, the only ones who haven’t figured it all out. It can be easy to forget that social media is a curated version of reality, a carefully edited highlight reel that leaves out the messy, difficult and vulnerable moments that make us human. 🌿
The Comparison Trap🌿
It’s hard not to compare ourselves to the lives we see online. We see friends posting about their lives and it can feel like we’re falling short on our own and question why doesn’t our life doesn’t look like that.
The truth is you are not alone. Behind every post, there are stories untold, moments of fear, loneliness and uncertainty that don’t make it onto the feed. Social media shows us what people want us to see but it doesn’t show the whole picture. However it’s easy to internalise these comparisons and feel like we’re not enough.🌿
The Illusion of Connection🌿
Social media was designed to bring us closer “theoretically”. However in many ways it’s driving us
apart. It creates an illusion of connection, a feeling that we’re constantly “connected” to people, but is this really in a meaningful or deep way. Instead of nurturing real relationships, social media often leaves us feeling more isolated and disconnected. We scroll through posts but rarely have real conversations.
When we believe everyone else is living their best lives, it can create a sense of exclusion, as though we’re the only ones left out. This feeling of being “left behind” can be damaging to our self-esteem and mental health. 🌿
Finding Balance: How to Protect Your Emotional Space 🌿
You don’t have to give up social media completely to protect your emotional well-being, but it’s important to be intentional about how you engage with it. Here are a few ways to regain balance.
● Set Healthy Boundaries: It’s okay to take a step back. You don’t have to be constantly plugged in. Set time limits on how much you engage with social media and make space for real-life connections.🌿
● Follow What Uplifts You: Curate your feed with accounts that inspire you, make you feel good and promote positivity. Unfollow accounts that leave you feeling inadequate or upset.🌿
● Take Digital Detoxes: It’s important to disconnect regularly. Whether it’s a few hours or a full day, a digital detox can give you the breathing room you need to reconnect with yourself. 🌿
● Practice Self-Awareness: Pay attention to how social media makes you feel. If you’re consistently leaving your feed feeling drained and anxious, it might be time to reassess how it’s affecting your mental health. 🌿
Final Thoughts….You Are Enough 🌿
No one’s life is as perfect as it seems on social media. What you see online is often just a created snapshot, remember it is not always the full picture. The comparison traps, the false perception and the relentless pressure to be on social media can weigh heavy on our hearts and minds. Always remember that what you see online is often just the surface, there is so much more beneath it and your worth is not determined by a feed, a post, or a number of likes. Your worth is defined by your kindness, authenticity and the love you give and receive. You are enough, just as you are.🌿
If social media is taking a toll on your mental health, it’s okay to step back and prioritise your well-being. You deserve peace, both online and offline. At Asri Counselling, I’m here to support you in navigating the complexities of the digital world. Together, we can find healthier ways to engage with social media and protect your emotional space.🌿
