Breaking the Filter: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health & How to Detox

Hey there, fabulous readers!

Let's have some real talk about something that's become as essential as our morning coffee—social media. While it's great for sharing memes and stalking our exes (we've all been there), it's also sneaking into our minds, affecting our mental health more than we'd like to admit. So, grab your matcha latte, and let's dive into the unfiltered truth about social media and how we can reclaim our peace of mind.

One of my TikTok videos went viral and garnered over 6.7 million views, along with a lifetime of online followers. It was an overnight success, and with that came a flood of unsolicited social media admirers. At the time, I was just starting out as a social media influencer, with a total of about three followers across all platforms. This sudden exposure was a huge opportunity, and I was grateful for the chance to grow. Since then, I’ve built my online presence to over 42,700 followers as of writing this article.

But that experience wasn’t all good and fluffy—it also came with negative press. Suddenly, I had followers expecting more content, but I didn't want to share all of myself online. I wanted to maintain some mystery while slowly easing into content creation without pressuring myself. I had to accept that I live two lives: my real life with my family and the highlight reel people see online. A note to myself—my real family always comes first.

Social media is a great tool for connection, financial freedom, and reaching clients. But it can also be time-consuming, and comparing yourself to others can sneak up and steal your joy.

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have revolutionized how we connect. But with great power comes great responsibility—or in this case, great anxiety. Studies show that heavy social media use is linked to increased feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. A systematic review even found that social networking sites are associated with a higher risk of psychological distress and depression.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, has pointed out that social media is a major factor in the mental health crisis among young people.

"It’s like we're all chasing digital validation, and when we don’t get it, our self-esteem takes a nosedive."

The Comparison Trap

Ever found yourself scrolling through your feed, wondering why everyone else seems to have their life together? You’re not alone. Social media often showcases highlight reels, leading to unrealistic expectations about body image and success. This constant comparison fuels feelings of inadequacy and FOMO (fear of missing out).

The Sleep Thief

Late-night scrolling might seem harmless, but it’s wreaking havoc on our sleep patterns. Research indicates a strong link between social media use and poor sleep quality, reduced sleep duration, and increased sleep difficulties—especially among young people. And we all know, lack of sleep is a one-way ticket to Mood Swing City.

Detoxing Your Digital Life

Alright, it’s not all doom and gloom. Here are some sassy yet practical steps to help you take control:

• Set Boundaries – Designate tech-free zones in your home. The bedroom is for beauty sleep, not binge-scrolling.

• Curate Your Feed – Unfollow accounts that don’t bring you joy or make you feel less than fabulous. Fill your feed with positivity and inspiration.

• Schedule Social Media Time – Allocate specific times for checking your socials. This prevents endless scrolling and helps you stay present.

• Engage in Real-Life Activities – Remember hobbies? Dust off that guitar, paintbrush, or yoga mat. Real-world activities can be incredibly fulfilling.

• Seek Professional Help if Needed – If social media is significantly affecting your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.

Remember, darling, you are more than the number of likes on your last post. Let’s break the filter and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of life.

Note: This article does not substitute professional medical advice.