What social media gets wrong
In the age of consumerism, self-care is viewed as a perfect night routine, matching pajama sets, getting your nails done and cosmetic maintenance procedures. This is exacerbated by social media, where algorithms favor aesthetics. While this is marketed as self-care, I would like to highlight that there are more impactful ways to support your mental, physical and emotional health on the individual level, and that there are systemic issues that make this more difficult, which goes unnoticed when we only focus on personal solutions.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, self-care is defined as “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness and increase your energy.” This includes prioritizing exercise, hydration and sleep, as well as eating a balanced diet, practicing stress-relieving activities and increasing time with family and friends. Although this can include some practices shown in these social media videos, such as working out and eating healthy, it’s important to ensure that your acts of self-care go beyond what looks aesthetic on the surface, and actually work to improve your mental health long term.
It is also important to incorporate practices such as connecting with loved ones, spending time in nature, prioritizing hobbies and seeking professional help if necessary. What differentiates these practices from many seen on social media, is that they’re not rooted in consumerism. Many of these videos show expensive skincare products, a matching workout set for each day of the week and shelves of makeup products, among products fueled by micro-trends. The issue here is that it fosters a mindset of needing this one new thing to look, feel, or be like the creator. Unfortunately, this content often worsens self-esteem, while contributing to overconsumption.
Additionally, viewing mental health solutions as solely a personal act can direct responsibility to the individual, drawing attention away from the systemic issues that contribute to the mental health crisis. Rather than working to fix inflation, the job market and unaffordable housing, which contributes to financial stress, the blame is put on the individual for being mentally impacted by these stressors. Fixing these, as well as improving green spaces, walkable neighborhoods and third places, can increase community connection and lower stress levels, making it easier for one to practice self-care.
I would like to note that in no way am I shaming those who create this content, nor those who consume it. I enjoy watching it in moderation, though I ensure that I am in a healthy mindset when consuming it. Additionally, I am all for doing things that make you feel good! If that’s getting your nails done or treating yourself to an occasional new piece of clothing, enjoy it. However, it’s essential to strike a healthy balance between things that bring you immediate joy and forms of self-care that work to reduce stress over a long period of time. Seek help if needed, find comfort in your friends and family and take care of yourself.
Citations:
“Caring for Your Mental Health.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.