How To Make Social Media A Positive Experience

Social media has now become such an integral part of our lives it’s hard to imagine life without it. It keeps us connected to friends and family some of which are abroad, it allows us to share life experiences for example holiday photos, graduation days, career wins, engagements and so much more. And although these memories are fun and exciting to share, on the other end, social media can also be a source of anxiety, stress, and negativity taking the fun out of which used to be enjoyable .

Here are some tips for making social media a positive experience.

Follow Accounts on Purpose

Become intentional about the accounts you choose to follow and making sure they align with your values and interests. It’s so easy to follow hundreds of accounts but half the time it’s all in the same exact context with the exact same aesthetic. Pick a few that are really making a positive impact to your life and say goodbye to the rest. Just because you like the look of an account it doesn't mean you need to follow them.

By streamlining your following, your feed automatically becomes a source of inspiration and empowerment every time to log in.

Don't Post for Validation

While it can be tempting to post for likes and comments, sharing solely for this reason can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety as you give your power away to others, many of which you don't know personally. With the algorithms constantly changing, there’s a chance many people won’t even see your post, but that’s okay, and I'll tell you why.

Share online because you’d be happy with just one person seeing it, share because if what you have to say or show reaches one person and it changes their life, makes them laugh, inspires them, or entertains them that’s worth it than if you didn’t share at all.

Post content that is authentic and meaningful to you, regardless of how many likes or comments it receives.

Take What You Need

With millions of users on social media, there’s a lot of content going out every single day. Understand not everything is for you. Just because something doesn’t resonate with you, it doesn’t mean it won’t resonate for everyone. Take what you need and what it is you are looking for, if it doesn’t align, continue to scroll on by.

Far too many people go to war and find themselves embroiled in a battle with someone they don’t know…over which toppings are best on a pizza. It’s like, really? Arguing over something so trivial with someone you don’t know is such a waste of good energy, there’s really no point. And, don’t get me wrong, a healthy online debate can get interested, but pick your battles wisely.

Take Breaks

Social media can be overwhelming and exhausting, especially if you spend a lot of time scrolling through your feeds. Avoid total burnout by taking breaks and detoxes from the platforms.

Delete the apps from your phone if you have to, turn off social media notifications, limit your social media use to certain times of day.

Find a way which works for you to have a good balance between the online world, and the real world.

Don't Compare Yourself to Others

One of the biggest downfalls of social media is the temptation to compare yourself to others. This is also one of the biggest ways to attack your self-confidence and build high levels of insecurity causing serious damage to your mental health.

Take your focus off of the details in other people’s lives and use that focus on your own journey. Celebrate your own accomplishments and how far you have come.

You might be feel the need to compare yourself to someone who is in a loving relationship while you’re newly single, however this is a great opportunity to remember being single means you can be selfish with your time, and now have a chance to meet someone who is more perfectly matched to you. Remember, social media is often a highlight reel of everyone’s best moments, and that everyone has struggles and challenges behind the scenes.

Final Thoughts

Social media can be a positive and enjoyable experience if you use it intentionally and mindfully. By following accounts on purpose, avoiding posting for validation, taking breaks, and not comparing yourself to others, you can create a social media experience that uplifts and inspires you.