How Does Social Media Affect Mental Health and Is it Bad?

I’m guessing if you clicked on the name of this post, you’ve probably already noticed that social media platforms can be a bit negative at times. Maybe this doesn’t apply to you and instead applies to someone you know. So how does social media affect mental health? Like most things in life, the positive and negative aspects of social media platforms are not black and white. This is why social media boundaries are an important subject to have some awareness around.

How Social Media Affects My Mental Health

I remember noticing the “shift” several years ago via Facebook. I guess you could say I was going through a “hard time” but at any given time, who isn’t really? Though I can’t remember the specifics of my struggles, it’s honestly kind of irrelevant. Think about that. Have you ever been at a point where you said to yourself, wow, my life is truly perfect and I wish for nothing more? Probably not. And if you have, then good for you my friend!

For the rest of us, it’s okay to want more. It’s okay to want a change. There is no need for guilt in admitting that, and it’s possible to be grateful for what we do have simultaneously. This is where the social media comparison factor comes in.

There have no doubt been times in my life where things have been “better” than others. Happier. When I have felt more confident, ambitious and strong. In my case, this is an important part of the equation. I personally have to have awareness of where I’m at mentally or a browse through the social feeds can have a bigger impact on my mental state than I’d like to admit.

All the highlight reels.

• The perfect family that just had that amazing vacation in Hawaii
• The boss bitch – an independent, financial powerhouse.
• The person who seems so happy in her marriage.
• Or the gym rat or wellness queen in the best shape of her life.

And for me? The energy shift from seeing it isn’t aggressive. Envious sure. But I’ve never felt like, “fu*k them” because I so badly wanted what they had.

BUT…

I did start to notice a negative energy shift. When I wasn’t feeling my absolute best, following everyone else made me question my own life and self-worth. Social media can take me from an okay day to a shitty day subconsciously. This in itself is what prevented me from profiles on other social media platforms.

This is when I started setting boundaries.

How To Set Social Media Boundaries

Social Media Outlets

Do I have an Instagram account? Yes. Do I have a TikTok account? Yes. I keep them for when I want to browse “fun videos.” What do I mean by this? Things like Hair Tutorials, Makeup Recommendations, Cute Animal Videos and Comedic Content. (Laughter really is the best medicine by the way.)

But NONE of those platforms involve me following everyone from high school around or posting my own stuff 24-7, even the original OG – Facebook includes minimal posting.

Pinterest is another great platform for what I call “brainless” and drama-free searching. I suppose you can go down shitty lane if you really seek it out but it’s not just shoved in your face all the time. Recipes, home decor and gardening tips tend to spark less of an emotional response if ya know what I mean. If you can’t practice this type of self control then maybe Social Media simply isn’t for you.

Social Media Boundaries Topics & Accountability

I’m hoping we’ve all learned by now that certain subjects should be tucked away for your own spaces. Politics? Religion? Don’t even get me started. If you are someone who thinks it’s in any way shape or form okay to push your political, religious or parenting views on people, then please take a trip up to the right-hand corner of this screen and click the X.

It’s bullshit.

Yes, Karen, it is your page. Yes, you do have a right to share how you feel. But how bout you choose to not be an asshole instead? Save those topics for those close to you who can hopefully have respectful conversations about it. Join a private group with like-minded individuals if you need to get shit off your chest, vent and find community.

But don’t you dare try to make people feel like shit for not agreeing with you.

See how riled up that just got me? Probably a little excessive but really, how many times has that happened to you? You read something offensive, maybe not as intense, but it shifted your energy negatively.

You can unfollow those kinds of people, block them and defriend them if you need to. No explanation necessary. This is yet another way social media can create drama and mood shifts in your day.

• “Wait, why did she block me?”
• “Why aren’t you posting more pictures?”
• “I never get to see anything from you.”
• “She didn’t accept my friend request” or
• “She didn’t respond to my comment.”
• “They never like or comment on my posts.”

… and the list goes on and on. Sometimes it’s not so personal, and sadly, sometimes it is. 

Set. The. Boundaries.

Sound familiar? Do you hear this from friends about other people? Say this about other people? Do you post passive-aggressive content on social media rather than directly communicating with someone about your concerns? If so, it’s time for an accountability check my friend. You are not only being negatively affected by social media, you’re adding to the equation. 

Social Media Boundaries that Affect Your Mental Health

As I said above, it’s not black and white. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s very important to be able to express yourself. (obviously!) Don’t take this post as one that’s trying to quiet you. Your feelings and opinions are important and deserve to be validated.

But being aware of the words you speak and how they impact others is a human responsibility. In 2023, through social media and constant communication, it’s one that we should all take seriously. Communicate in a healthy way and be kind to others while you do it.