Social Media Pressures On Youth- What is the Impact?

Social media can be a wonderful way to keep in touch with friends, but it can also make us feel insecure about our lives or like we have to constantly be online.

Social media posts can present a lifestyle that is just as unrealistic as a movie set. It can be easy to believe that this represents real life.

We all create social media profiles that highlight the best elements of our offline lives and cover up those occasions when we feel a bit down, or just plain flat. This may involve adding a few filters to our selfies, arranging a “candid” photo, or posting about a night out that wasn’t as enjoyable as you claim it was.

Social media pressures are real. They have an impact on every single one of us. Here are some tips for coping with social media pressures:

1. Check yourself.

When you have doubts about posting an event, consider your motivation. Is it because you’re seeking to present a certain image online? It’s usually helpful not to post something if it’s more about maintaining an image. Being true to oneself on and offline is important. Only post things that truly represent who you are and that make you feel positive about yourself.

2. Social media is not real life.

Carefully consider what you read and see online because many posts are not the complete truth. Behind every post, someone has probably taken the same picture 30 times from different angles or placed objects purposely to make it appear as natural as possible. Understand that celebrities edit their images or prepare events to make it seem like their lives are far more interesting than they are. Despite what you might see on their social media feeds, celebrities too, experience off days.

3. Delete any accounts that give you negative vibes.

Ask yourself if the social media profiles you follow are making you feel good or bad. Unfriend the accounts that don’t make you feel good about yourself and start following the ones that do. Instead of messages that make you angry or embarrassed, try to fill your feed with pieces that are motivating or reflect topics you truly have an interest in.

4. Turn off all notifications and go without a phone for a day.

Try turning off your phone if you realize that you are spending too much of your time browsing through your feed and it is making you feel under pressure. It can be helpful to take a break and log out for some time. Go outside and leave your phone at home.

5. Reach out to someone.

Social media pressures can make you feel alone and that everyone else is having a great time. Reach out to one of these online and telephonic counselling services for guidance and support if you feel like you need to talk to someone or you are starting to feel like your mental well-being is affected.

Mtase, if you allow what people believe and say about you to influence how you feel about yourself, social media may be a never-ending cycle of challenges.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).