99% of People Use Social Media the Wrong Way.
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Me and you are both guilty of comparing ourselves to others subconsciously. Either be it friends or celebrities. We feel like we are missing out on life because “look at everyone else enjoying their fun life doing all sorts of things when I'm here scrolling on Instagram”. The problem is that I found that my brain doesn't differentiate between the people I watch on Instagram. Let me explain what I mean : for my brain, it thinks that everything I see on Instagram comes from one entity, one person, and thus it compares my life to this singular entity which is apparently very smart, extremely beautiful and stupidly rich. This singular entity is enjoying their life on the beach, not working, not cooking or doing any slightly negative task or experiencing any negative event or emotion.
The best way to use social media is two fold: your following and your usage. You should change your following or limit it in a way that all you see on your feed is useful information that will help you achieve your goal. For example, knowledge about your interests or the industry you are in, and what like-minded people are doing elsewhere. And your usage should be leaning more towards production rather than consumption. You should track the amount of time you spend consuming and the amount of time spent producing. The latter has to be greater than the first. Sure you can see what others are doing to have inspiration. But the main purpose of social media is to provide you value, either in the form of knowledge or monetary value (with a limited amount of entertainment from time to time).
What does the science say about social media
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, with millions of people using platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with others, stay informed, and entertain themselves. However, research has shown that social media usage can have negative effects on mental health, self-esteem, and productivity. One of the main reasons for this is the tendency for people to compare themselves to others on social media, leading to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and anxiety.
How to stop comparing yourself subconsciously to others on social media
One way to stop comparing yourself to others on social media is to be mindful of the thoughts and feelings that arise when you are scrolling through your feed. Recognize that social media can often present an idealized version of people's lives, and that it's not an accurate representation of reality.
Another thing to do is to limit your exposure to social media. Set specific times of the day to check your accounts, and stick to them. You can also unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel bad about yourself.
It can also be helpful to focus on your own goals and accomplishments, rather than fixating on what others are doing. Remind yourself of your own strengths and the things you've achieved, and try to be kind to yourself when negative thoughts arise.
Finally, try to engage in activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good about yourself. This can be anything from exercise, reading, or spending time with friends and family. The more you focus on what makes you happy, the less likely you will be to compare yourself to others on social media.
At the end of they day, we seek novelty through social media because we are bored. Boredom can be good when controlled and contained. Be mindful of yourself when you are bored, identify that feeling, and when it arises do not let yourself immediately
How to Use Social Media Productively
Choose who to follow wisely
One of the most important factors in using social media productively is choosing who to follow. By curating your feed with accounts that align with your interests, values, and goals, you can create a more positive and supportive online experience. This means unfollowing accounts that make you feel negative emotions, such as jealousy or insecurity, and following accounts that inspire and motivate you.
Set boundaries for social media usage
Another key to using social media productively is setting boundaries for how and when you use it. This can include establishing a schedule for checking social media, limiting your usage to a certain amount of time per day, turning off notifications to avoid distractions, and taking breaks from social media regularly. By doing so, you can prevent social media from becoming a time-sink that distracts you from important tasks and responsibilities. The goal is to use social media responsibly. You control it, not the other way around.
Use social media for productivity
In addition to limiting your usage, you can also use social media as a tool for productivity. This means following accounts that provide valuable information and resources, using social media to network and connect with professionals in your field, promoting your business or brand, and using social media to learn new skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
Tips for Choosing Who to Follow
Follow accounts related to your interests and goals
Unfollow accounts that make you feel negative emotions
Follow accounts that inspire and motivate you
Interact with accounts that align with your values
Tips for setting Boundaries for Social Media Usage
Establish a schedule for checking social media
Limit social media usage to a certain amount of time per day
Turn off notifications to avoid distractions
Take breaks from social media regularly
Conclusion
Social media can be a powerful tool for connection, creativity, and productivity, but it's important to use it mindfully. By choosing who to follow carefully, setting boundaries for usage, using social media for productivity, and avoiding negative content, we can make social media a positive force in our lives.
Actionable advice
Be mindful of the thoughts and feelings that arise when you are scrolling through your social media feed. Recognize that social media often presents an idealized version of people's lives, and that it's not an accurate representation of reality.
Choose who to follow wisely. Follow accounts related to your interests and goals, unfollow accounts that make you feel negative emotions, and interact with accounts that align with your values.
Set boundaries for social media usage. Establish a schedule for checking social media, limit social media usage to a certain amount of time per day, turn off notifications to avoid distractions, and take breaks from social media regularly.
Use social media for productivity. Follow accounts that provide valuable information and resources, use social media to network and connect with professionals in your field, promote your business or brand, and use social media to learn new skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
Remember that boredom can be good when controlled and contained. Be mindful of yourself when you are bored, identify that feeling, and don't let yourself immediately turn to social media.