Social media is anything but perfect, but we can’t seem to get away from the toxins behind the screen. As much as apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Tiktok impact our lives- they also have consequences that can be irreversible. Studies have shown that social media can have a tremendous effect on one’s mental health and happiness. Think about it- have you ever witnessed a post, tweet, or story that brought your mood down or made you feel angry? Most of the time, this happens to be the case for most social media users who come across negative or demeaning platforms. You can’t help but feel a sense of dread when seeing something rude or hurtful on your screen. This may or may not be directed towards you, but naturally humans gravitate towards emotion when you see something you dislike or find repulsive.
Many social media platforms also have positive elements, which can uplift you and can improve your overall mood. To stay connected and informed with friends, family, and peers, as well as keeping up to date with world news. These are just a few examples of the good sides of social media, but there are many factors in play. Connecting with your friends through social media can play a big role in your social status. Let’s say, for instance, that you are popular and have several followers on Instagram. Obviously this improves your ego and popularity, but most importantly a simple follow request makes you feel on top of the world because someone wants to FOLLOW YOU. In this mindset, the only thing you care about is how many followers you have or how many likes you receive on a post. In just a second, social media can change your perception on life and has the opportunity to take your positive mindset away.
How can society as a whole, make social media a safe space? Well for starters, instead of promoting with the possibility of a negative connotation, influencers can promote positive elements of social media so viewers can feel safe. It’s important to remember that influencers are not perfect by any means. Everyone has their own struggles that we may or may not see on camera. You should never compare yourself to someone you don’t know or feel that you are not good enough, because you never know what goes on behind the scenes. Taking breaks from social media is important for your mental health and although it is not easy, this simple task can impact you in the long run.