Here’s some ways that social media might be negatively impacting your health.
FOMO
FOMO - the fear of missing out. While we all occasionally experience this in our day-to-day lives, Facebook only further feeds into your fear of being left out of the loop. Your need to stay connected is one of the reasons social media is so pervasive in the first place. You want to know what your peers are up to. An incredibly common phenomenon, FOMO can leave you feeling inferior to your peers and dissatisfied with your own life. FOMO means that you are spending more time than we realize scrolling through your Facebook feed instead of putting forth the effort to enjoy and improve our own life.
This leads us into the next reason why Facebook is more harmful than most people realize:
Envy
Facebook gives you a glimpse into the lives of your peers - the restaurants they eat at, the cars they drive, and the clothes they wear. It can be easy to fall into the trap of comparing your life to the image that people present on social media. However, it’s important to remember that most people strive to present their best selves on social media. It’s easy to post the good things and leave out the bad. So next time you find yourself envying one of your Facebook friends, here’s a good tip: take a step back from the screen, take a deep breath, and write yourself a quick list of things you’re thankful for. There’s probably more things on there than you realize.
Addictive Screens
Let’s face it, spending too much time staring at a screen is just plain bad for your health. Spending a lot time on Facebook or on the computer in general can cause serious health issues. From eye strain to bad posture to simply encouraging a sedentary lifestyle, these are all serious risks from spending too much time online. Of course, like anything, moderation is key so if you can’t quite go cold turkey with social media, try to limit your time browsing social media.
5 Ways to Step Away From the Screen
Limiting your social media usage can be a hard habit to break. Instead of simply cutting yourself off from the web, consciously replace your screen time with healthier activities. Your body and mind will thank you.
Go Outside. Put down your phone, slip on a pair of tennis shoes, and head outside for a breath of fresh air. Whether taking a walk around the block or sitting in your backyard and taking in the views, being outdoors is great for your mental health (and the research agrees).
Clean. Although cleaning might be a task you dread, research has shown it’s great for your mental health. Instead of browsing Facebook, take some time each day to declutter your space. Put in a pair of headphones, turn on some music, and get cleaning!
Journal. Taking the time to sit down and reflect on your thoughts and emotions is a great way to improve your mental health, especially in today’s hectic world. Writing down your feelings is a great way to find gratitude in what you have rather than what you don’t.
Call up a Friend. Instead of using Facebook to stay connected, call up a friend to hang out instead. Meeting face-to-face over a cup of coffee is a far better way to stay in touch than liking each other’s statuses every now and then.
Exercise. Trade in 30 minutes of Facebook time for a physical activity: Take a trip to the gym, go for a swim, or ride your bike. Staying active is a fantastic way to keep your mind off social media.