Social media & mental health

Whenever I’d heard about “mental health consequences” of social media, I assumed they just didn’t apply to me; I was convinced that I was using it in the “ right way” so social media couldn’t really impact my life or mood.

Plus, in my head, I wasn’t dependent on social media for entertainment or fun. I just used social media to fill moments of boredom; when I’m waiting in line for food, in an Uber, or laying in bed avoiding the start of my day.

Nonetheless, last summer, I decided to delete all my social media applications ( instagram, snapchat, and facebook ) for 4 months while preparing for the MCAT. This way I wouldn’t be tempted to get caught on a scrolling and tapping cycle whenever a chapter got boring or when I got stuck on a practice problem. I would have no other thoughts clogging my brain except for the material I needed for the test.

I found that my productivity had reached a whole new high. While a part of this increase was due to my new routine, I distinctly noticed that the time I spent actually studying went up significantly because I no longer craved going on my phone. I was able to focus on what was in front of me.

I’d stopped wanting to find out what other people were doing every day.

Though of course I had days when staying on task or absorbing information became difficult, it was no longer because of my phone.

And this eliminated, to my surprise, A LOT of distraction.

But even more significant than enhanced productivity was the remarkable improvement of my mental health.

How?

Because I was no longer trying to fill my moments of boredom by avoiding or escaping reality. I wasn’t shifting my attention to a screen, obsessing over likes, or finding new users or followers.

I was forced to be in the present.

I wasn’t worried about what the people on my apps were doing, but I was able to look up and find so many other things, activities, or observations that were far more fulfilling. I started writing more, exercising, exploring new parts of my city, and, even more simply, noticing things around me or about me that I hadn’t before.

It blew my mind that the summer I was studying for THE MCAT, was one of the periods of my life I felt the most mentally calm and strong.

And this was all triggered by this habit of staying in the present moment. Learning to stay in the now, forgetting about what other people are thinking about you or of you based on your comments on social media or getting the generationally notorious FOMO.

Right where I was was exactly where my attention stayed.

I didn’t try to escape and, more importantly, I found that there is no reason to try. The present is solvable, manageable, promising, and offers so much growth if you give it the chance, time, and focus.

I also found that my self-esteem increased substantially.

My mind wasn’t in the default comparison mode social media often sets it in. I didn’t sit there wondering if my legs were as long or toned, hair was as shiny, or skin was as soft or clear as some famous instagram model from who knows where. I wasn’t using likes or comments to determine how good I should feel about myself.

Yet again, I came to not only feel but really believe that the way I was in the present was the best I could be.

I didn’t feel pressure to be, feel, or look a certain way.

I was just focused on me and whatever/ whoever else I found valuable in my real life.

So if this experience taught me anything it’s that I am not the exception to the effects of social media. If you take any person and introduce them to applications that showcase snippets of people’s lives ( which of course will be the best parts), they will start to compare and shy away from focusing on the now. It’s not because a person is weak or more susceptible; it’s expected. It’s natural.

And with this awareness, I’ve worked and am working to cut down the time I spend on these apps. I don’t think there’s a magical time limit that will work for everyone, but I think becoming aware of how social media may be negatively affecting your thinking patterns or relationship with yourself/others, can help immensely.

Because social media can be addicting and the effects of it, like I’ve found in my experience, aren’t always obvious.

Fortunately, I think the past few months have really highlighted the positive potential social media has; fundraising for those devastated by the explosion in Beirut, raising awareness and educating others (including me! ) on systemic racism in America, and forming massive communities dedicated to furthering the success of BLM and other civil rights movements around the world. Even giving me a platform to share this blog.

This side of social media has been incredibly beautiful to witness.

That being said, I definitely think social media can be fun and impactful in moderation. It’s just finding how much time you can spend on it before the fun starts shifting to habits of comparison or unwanted changes in mood.

Even if it’s for a day or a week, try and track the amount of time you spend on these apps or test out how your mood/ thoughts change after not using them.

Just becoming aware can go a long way.