{"id":4287,"date":"2021-03-29T16:55:57","date_gmt":"2021-03-29T16:55:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mindconnectionsnyc.com\/?p=4287"},"modified":"2022-11-13T21:50:33","modified_gmt":"2022-11-13T21:50:33","slug":"10-tips-to-use-social-media-in-a-healthier-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mindconnectionsnyc.com\/10-tips-to-use-social-media-in-a-healthier-way\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips to Use Social Media in a Healthier Way"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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10 Tips To Use Social Media In A Healthy Way<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Social media platforms are spaces for people around the world to connect, share pictures, post opinions, and consume endless content. Particularly during this pandemic, <\/span>social media helps us to stay connected<\/a> and communicate even when we have to stay home. Much of social media involves creating an attractive profile. For instance, users can curate aesthetic Instagram content or Pinterest boards.<\/span> Even though the photos, videos, words, and overall content on the social media accounts can be beautiful, the viewers may not resonate with these feelings deep down. In fact, content isn’t the only thing produced by these digital platforms. <\/span>Harmful effects on body image and self-esteem<\/b><\/a> have also come from the expansion of social media use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

How Does Media Affect Body Image Negatively?<\/b><\/a><\/h2>

From the beginning of time, society has upheld standards for people, especially women, to abide by. The <\/span>media<\/span><\/a> has always been a tool to promote the current beauty standards that are “in fashion.” Magazine ads, billboards, and commercials are always trying to sell products to help consumers get the most recent look.<\/span><\/p>

\"\"\"\"\"\"When watching a movie or TV show, it is natural to compare yourself to the main actor or actress. Inevitably this might affect the way you look at yourself. Without a doubt, society’s beauty standards have always been pushed on people through media, TV, etc. Today, social media pushes this societal pressure in our focus 24\/7. Our phones are placed right in front of our faces – we can fully take in every post, every tweet, and every ad we come across. This intense exposure is bound to affect users negatively. For instance, a<\/span> 2017 study<\/span><\/a> showed that consistent Facebook users faced increased negative opinions about their bodies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Body Image Problems in Society<\/b><\/h2>

Body image problems can start at an alarmingly young age in children. For example, a <\/span>2018 study<\/span><\/a> showed that these issues exist in children as young as 8 years old. Although these numbers are devastating, with the harsh beauty standards, they are not surprising. Girls and women have to deal with the constant pressure of being thin, wearing makeup, looking conventionally attractive, being void of body hair, buying anti-aging products<\/a>, etc. Similarly, boys have also struggled with body image<\/a> when it comes to their <\/span>muscle<\/span><\/a> index and <\/span>height<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Lack of Inclusion in All Outlets of Media<\/b><\/h2>

A problem that has been evident in social media discourse, is the lack of inclusion in the media<\/a>. When a consumer sees their favorite brand only post a certain body type, it can send a harmful message. This narrow depiction of body types<\/a> in the media can send a clear message, that is, people’s <\/span>\u00a0bodies are not what society supports<\/span><\/a>. If a young black girl never sees a black model in any of the ads for her favorite clothing brand, what kind of message would that send her? If a store has one-size-fits-all clothing and an interested shopper doesn’t fit into that range, how would that make them feel?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Also, social media, especially Instagram, has become a place full of advertisements and sponsorships. Honestly, these brands need to be more conscious of the messages they are putting out to the consumers. Companies need to have an expected standard, for example, make-up brands should have a variety of foundation colors to fit all customers’ skin tones. Similarly, clothing brands need to include models of all sizes to promote the idea that all bodies are beautiful. Some brands are trying to make an effort to show that they do not retouch or edit their model’s photos. This can be a positive effort in promoting appreciation of all bodies,<\/a> that is, bodies with stretch marks, cellulite, vitiligo, acne, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Social Media Could Negatively Affect Your Mental Health<\/b><\/h2>

Social media can cause <\/span>negative effects on mental well-being<\/span><\/a> in both teenagers and adults. Social media can cause people to compare themselves to others and lead to feelings of jealousy, inadequacy, self-hatred, and<\/span>\"\" difficulty\"\"accepting their appearance. These feelings can cause a vicious cycle with devastating consequences. For example, <\/span>negative body image can cause self-image issues.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0Consequently, this can lead to eating disorders, depression<\/a>, drug and alcohol use, self-harm, bullying, or risky sexual behaviors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Tips on Healthier Social Media Use<\/b><\/h2>

Social media is a big part of our world. As a result, it would be challenging to expect someone to totally release it’s use from their life. Many people may contemplate this decision. Social media may be their only form of connection with people they otherwise would not keep in touch with. On the other hand, some people may fear getting rid of social media because they feel like they will be bored or experience FOMO (fear of missing out)<\/a> without these platforms. \"\"<\/span><\/p>

Understandably, breaking free of social media can feel scary in this day and age; however, your mental health should be the most important priority in your life. If you feel like you need to take a break from going on social media platforms, <\/a>feel free to do so. After all,\u00a0 they could be causing you distress or making you feel bad about yourself.<\/span><\/p>

If you decide to limit or change the way you use social media, here are 10 tips to improve your experience on these platforms:<\/span><\/b><\/p>

1. Take a Break<\/b><\/h3>

Certain social media platforms allow users to disable their accounts for short periods of time. If you don\u2019t want to disable your account, you can try deleting the app from your phone until you feel ready to re-download the site. in addition, you can try and set boundaries on your screen time<\/a> or use apps that manage your screen time on these accounts. If you have a problem using social media before bed, try using the blue light filter.<\/span><\/b><\/p>

2. Unfollow or Mute<\/b><\/h3>

One way to improve your social media experience can be to unfollow people or accounts that make you feel bad about yourself<\/a>. You do not need to follow any account that will produce negative effects on your self-worth or body-image. If you don\u2019t wish to unfollow certain people, you can always try “muting” the accounts or not engaging with them. Instead of consuming this content, try following inspirational accounts or platforms that promote a message of mental health and positivity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

3. Keep Your Social Media Circle Small<\/b><\/h3>

If you have a lot of followers and stress over a wide audience viewing your posts, try to minimize the people you allow to follow you or you follow. Over time, you may gain followers from high school, college, work, etc. As we move on in life, we may lose touch with many of those people – this is totally normal! Someone you had a chemistry class with in high school may not continue liking your pictures years down the road. Keeping your social media circle small<\/a> with only the people you are close with. In this case, it may help you to feel like you are posting to a community that really cares about you. You can do this by making a new account that only follows or allows follows from close friends. There are also options to post social media \u201cstories\u201d to a private or \u201cfriends-only\u201d group.<\/span><\/b><\/p>

4. Find Communities<\/b><\/h3>

Try to find communities on social media that make you feel good about yourself<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Although social media has downfalls, it also has some really great benefits. One of the most impactful parts of social media is its capability to make people connect from all over the world. Try joining groups or engaging with people who are body positive, share similar interests, or bring you happiness<\/a>. For example, If you sport natural hair, there are many Facebook groups you can join to post about their hair, support and empower each other in the curly hair community, and bond over their shared experience. This could be a great way to make new connections and engage in something that will uplift your self-esteem.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>

5. Be Wary of Photo Editing Apps<\/b><\/h3>

Social media is in the control of the beholder. Any user can create their own social-media-reality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Inevitably people can utilize creative expression when editing their pictures and posts. It is really fun to edit your pictures and create the perfect aesthetic you are trying to achieve. Adding cool design effects, playing with lighting, saturation, etc. is a great way to expand your skills with photo posting and editing. You may enjoy posting or looking at these beautiful photos; however, there is a danger when it comes to editing. There are a multitude of photo editing apps that allow people to modify their entire face or body shape.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Generally speaking, editing photos can become dangerous when you are altering your face or body. You may start by blurring out blemishes on your face in one picture and end up completely changing your body shape in another. Once you start editing your pictures, you may feel like you need to keep editing your photo to maintain the “look” you have started to establish. We are all human, that is to say, we may get blemishes, our teeth may not be snow white, we may have stretch marks and cellulite, etc. but why are these bad things? Define your beauty the way you want; the way you look is always more than enough. It is beautiful to be human and to experience all the things that come with it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

6. Say No to “#bodygoals”<\/b><\/h3>

No body type should be considered “body goals.” It has become trendy to use this phrase when referring to someone who has an “ideal” body shape or look. This idea can not only idolize how someone looks but also make someone who doesn’t look like that feel horrible about themself. This idea might also put a lot of pressure on the person who has the “#bodygoals.” This person might feel like they have to keep up with the way their followers expect and want them to look.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

7. Don\u2019t Look for Validation Through Social Media\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>

Without a doubt, we hope to get likes or nice comments for our selfies or a picture. As much as it is flattering to receive positive feedback on posts, at least know that is not the sole reason you are sharing your content.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Examine the reasons why you are posting certain things:<\/span><\/i><\/p>

Is it for your own satisfaction?\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>

Or is it for the opinion and support of others?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>

Post it for yourself to celebrate your own experiences. Become your own support system, that is, give yourself enough love so that it will make up for any comments or likes.<\/span><\/p>

8. Practice Self-Love<\/b><\/b><\/h3>

\"\"<\/p>

Your body deserves to be shown love and respect. The best way to improve your\"\"body image is to show yourself love<\/a> and self-care. Specifically, engage in activities that bring you happiness and make you feel your best. This may include taking a bath, doing your hai<\/span>r, engaging in your skincare routine, journaling, practicing hobbies, and reciting positive affirmations about yourself and your body.\u00a0<\/p>

Positive Affirmations to Repeat:<\/strong><\/h3>