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Staying Positive on Social Media
Christina James
July 04, 2024
The world of social media grows on a daily basis, only this week I was emailed to join a new platform called MIRL. Alongside the current social media platforms and their offshoots, what even is ‘Threads?’ We are spending increasingly more and more time staring and interacting with our screens.
The statistics on social media and mental health can make for sobering reading. Let’s look at some now.
According to research:
Time spent on social media is increasing, averaging 136 minutes a day.
91% of 16-24-year-olds use social media.
This number decreases as you assess older cohorts, but is still as high as 20% for people aged 65+.
Younger people say that four out of five major social platforms make their anxieties worse.
Younger people see the most issues, but 38% of adults think social media is actively harmful.
FOMO—fear of missing out—is a huge driver of anxiety, but 40% of adults are unfamiliar with the term.
The social media and mental health statistics don’t lie, and they paint a slightly worrying picture. While older people are a little better-equipped to deal with social media, with perhaps a little more cynicism and willingness to question everything they see on a screen, the younger generations brought up with social media from a young age are vulnerable.
However, multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts.
Social media may promote negative experiences such as:
Feelings of inadequacy.
FOMO.
Isolation.
Depression and anxiety.
Everyone is different and there is no specific amount of time spent on social media, the frequency you check for updates, or the number of posts you make that indicates your use is becoming unhealthy.
Rather, it has to do with the impact time spent on social media has on your mood and other aspects of your life, along with your motivations for using it.
Here are some of the impacts to look out for:
Spending more time on social media than with real world friends.
Experiencing cyberbullying.
Being distracted at work.
Worsening symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Positivity begets positivity
This may sound a little trite, but you really do get out of social media what you put in.
It’s not easy to remain a shining beacon of positivity when there’s so much doom and gloom around but being the change you want to see in the world really helps.
This doesn’t mean forcing a smile and posting pictures of cats every five minutes—insincerity isn’t especially helpful. But reaching out when people are having a hard time, sharing good news, and generally focusing on the good? That’s one way to help bring these statistics into a better light.
Surrounding yourself with good friends works well in real life, and it’s the same online. Adding everyone you see might increase a number, but it doesn’t create many meaningful interactions.
Taking a break from social media, also known as a social media detox, can be a great way to improve your mental health, focus on real-life connections, and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Here are some strategies to help you successfully detox from social media:
Set clear goals: Define why you want to take a break from social media. Whether it's to reduce stress, increase productivity, or improve your mental health, having a clear goal in mind will help you stay motivated.
Inform your followers: Let your followers know that you'll be taking a break from social media. This can help manage expectations and reduce the fear of missing out (FOMO).
Set a time limit: Decide on the duration of your social media detox. It could be a day, a week, a month, or longer, depending on your goals and needs.
Remove social media apps: Consider deleting social media apps from your phone or disabling notifications to reduce temptation.
Fill the void: Find alternative activities to fill the time you would usually spend on social media. This could include reading a book, exercising, practicing mindfulness, or spending time with loved ones.
Limit access: If you can't completely avoid social media due to work or other commitments, consider using website blockers or apps that limit your access to social media platforms.
Focus on real-life connections: Use your social media detox as an opportunity to connect with friends and family in person, through phone calls, or video chats.
Practice self-care: Take care of yourself during the detox period. This could involve getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Reflect on your experience: Pay attention to how you feel during your social media detox. Notice any changes in your mood, productivity, or relationships.
Gradual re-entry: When you're ready to return to social media, consider easing back in gradually. Set limits on your usage and be mindful of how it affects your mental health.
Remember, a social media detox is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your needs and adjust your strategies as necessary.
I have spoken before about small actions big change - so even if you just spend 30 minutes a day lesson on the apps, and instead go for a walk or read a book - you will see a difference. Let me know how you get on, or do you have a strategy you are using already?
We are currently offering 10% off all courses in August both MHFA and Neurodiversity courses. Email us at [email protected] with the discount code ‘Hot10’ to enquire or book a course. This offer is for courses booked from 4th July 2024 and applies to August 2024 courses only. Our next Neurodiversity course is on the 7th August.
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Social media and mental health statistics UK