Why social media makes us feel bad and what to do about it

Have you ever scrolled through social media and noticed that you feel a bit down? This unpleasant state could also be accompanied by feelings of envy and aggression.

The good news is, according to News24, that you are not alone. Psychologists have long studied this phenomenon, which is called social comparison theory.

How does social comparison theory work?

The essence of this concept is that people tend to compare themselves to their peers to assess their own performance. And, as a rule, there are 2 types of comparisons: upward and downward. The first is a comparison with those who are visually happier than us, and the second is a comparison with those who, as we see it, have achieved less than we have.

At the same time, studies show that upward comparison is more harmful, especially if you have low self-esteem.

As for the downward comparison, it makes us feel better, but it is rare on social media because people are not inclined to write about their problems and failures.

Why shouldn't you compare your life to other people's?

Social networks showcase the best or even non-existent moments of life. They offer a carefully crafted version of reality and pass it off as fact. Sometimes it's intentional, but most often it's unconscious bias.

It's just our nature to want to share information when we're happy and successful. And even in this case, we choose the best option for publication.

On the other hand, when you compare yourself to what you see on social media, you usually make an upward comparison. It makes you feel worse about yourself because you are comparing your ordinary day to the best day of someone else's life. And it's not objective and it's wrong.

How to use social media without harming your own psyche

• Watch your reactions. If social media brings you pleasure, you may not need to change anything, but if it causes fatigue, depression, anxiety, or you waste time mindlessly scrolling, then put it on hold.
• Avoid comparisons. Remind yourself that comparing your reality to a selected moment on social media is at least ridiculous, especially when it comes to the lives of celebrities and users who pay to create perfect content.

• Be selective. If you have to compare, look for downward comparisons or equal comparisons that make you feel better about yourself.
• Practice gratitude. Remind yourself of the wonderful things in your life and celebrate your accomplishments.
• Socialize in real life. Sometimes social media forces people to pay attention to what is missing in their own lives, which can be empowering. Follow these tips and get out more often with friends, start a new hobby, learn to live offline.
• Ask for help. If you feel depressed for a long time, seek support from friends, relatives, or a therapist.