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Over the course of this blog series, I have discussed how social media effects psychological wellbeing in users. From discussing both negative and positive effects there seems to be one consistent factor in how users are affected and it rests in all in HOW and WHY we use social media. Each user’s individual goals and motivations for using social media predict how they will be affected by it.
I believe it is important to understand this because it provides both answers and solutions to the effects of social media. We can gather answers to the effects social media have by analyzing how and why users use social media. If a user has a “compare and despair” attitude they are going to be negatively affected by social media. However, if a user approaches the use of social media from the angle of making connections, expressing themselves, and to be inspired social media can have uplifting and very positive effects on the user.
Each of these attitudes and perspectives motivates where the user looks as well. For example, someone who is looking to compare themselves, whether consciously or unconsciously, will find themselves on unhealthy and harmful parts of social media. But then again, if someone is looking to make connections or just looking for positive inspiration they are more likely to find themselves spending time in the more uplifting areas of social media.
So the solution to avoiding negative effects like depression, loneliness, eating disorders, poor self-image and lacking communication skills lies in being mindful in how and why we are using social media. Be aware of how other user’s images or text is affecting you. Also, limiting time spent on social media just scrolling is also a good way to limit the negative effects. Another solution is to be mindful of what you as a user are sharing, creating, and liking. We may each be individuals but you never know when something you’ve said, posted, shared, or liked effects another individual. Be kind to yourself and be kind to others. Stop shaming behaviors and pour positivity into your social media activity. This isn’t to say that you can’t say negative things or share negative posts, just be aware of how it is presented. Ask yourself with negative posts, “Am I bringing awareness to an issue? Or am I creating unnecessary negativity?”
So if you all take anything from this post or my others, I hope that it is that what you post, share, like, repin, tweet, or create is important and it will affect others. Till next time, xoxo.