Technology has grown into a major part of our generation’s lives. It has created simpler and more streamlined ways of getting things done and connected us with others around the world. Social media hit our generation hard and with no historical precedent, we had nothing to compare it to. We don’t know the long term effect prolonged social media use may have on our mental health, so it’s important to take caution. Here are some helpful tips on how to stay active on social media without completely cutting yourself off from the real world.
Connect without Comparing
Social media may have been invented as a tool to generate money, but it’s turned into a device that can connect us with people all over the world. The negative side of this connection is we can get caught up in comparing the lives others present on social media to our own lives. We need to remember that social media is a tool for connection and keeping up with our loved ones instead of a method of competition.
Take Breaks
Take it from me- with my average of five hours on social media per day- take breaks. It isn’t healthy to scroll through other people’s lives all day long. It gives you a false sense of socialization and leads to fewer friends in real life. Make sure you live life and it doesn’t just look like you do from the screen.
Think before Posting
There’s always a conversation in our group chats about whether or not the bomb picture you took should get posted. It can be disheartening to feel like a picture you took looks amazing and receive a less than positive reaction from the squad. You need to remember this, ultimately you don’t need validation from others. If you feel like you do, maybe it’s time to take a break from social media and just take time for yourself. Everyone is beautiful and it’s important to remember that when posting.
Live in the moment
A lot of us can get caught up in the need to dress a certain way for Instagram feed. We can spend hours looking for the perfect spot to take a photo, but we need to remember to live in the moment first and take photos second. We only live once, and do you really want to look back on your life and remember the pictures you took instead of the memories you could have made?
Use it with Purpose
If you follow all of the previous tips, hopefully, this one will happen naturally. Overall, it’s imperative to use social media with a purpose and not just because everyone else has one. If it just seems like work and you genuinely don’t think you need the apps, drop them. It’s your life and you need to do what’s best for you.