TW: Eating Disorders
If you’ve ever heard the saying (most likely from an adult), “Your phones cause depression,” then you’re not alone. I’ve heard it countless times. Now, that phrase is a little extreme, as phones don’t actually cause depression, and what you consume on your phone can affect your mental health positively in some ways.
However, speaking from experience, consuming increased amounts of social media has largely negatively affected my self-esteem and mental health. I start to compare myself to others on TikTok and Instagram, wondering why my body doesn’t look like theirs. Unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon. As we live in an age with increased use of social media as a means of communication, people turn to their favorite apps to compare themselves to people they know and/or celebrities. There’s nothing wrong with looking up to those you admire, but if you start comparing yourself to them to the point of it growing frequent or obsessive, it can be detrimental to your mental health and lead to issues such as body dysmorphia.
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Body dysmorphia is “a distinct mental disorder in which a person is preoccupied with an imagined physical defect or a minor defect that others often cannot see” (WebMD). In cases of body dysmorphia, a person may think they are “ugly” and consider changing themselves in consequential ways, such as entirely altering their diets. As an avid user of TikTok, I’ve noticed that unfortunately, diet culture is widely promoted on the site/app through videos like “What I Eat in a Day” and “Weight Loss Hacks.” While not all diet-related videos have to do with weight loss, diet culture is regularly promoted on social media through things like weight-loss pills and teas, and it’s important to realize how damaging social media can be to your self-image. If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder and in crisis, please text “NEDA” to 741741 to be connected with a trained volunteer at Crisis Text Line (NEDA).
On the other hand, those who suffer from body dysmorphia might turn to plastic surgery. Now, while there is stigma around plastic surgery, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing and it’s only damaging if you use it for harm rather than good. This can include changing your appearance to look like a certain celebrity instead of seeking the help that you need. I would advise taking a step back from social media for a bit and instead turn to books or hands-on crafts to get away from any potential triggers.
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One aspect of social media that seems harmless at first that’s actually the opposite is instant gratification, AKA likes, comments and shares. I myself know that social media gratification all too well, and when I don’t get the same amount of likes or less than I did before on Instagram, I get insecure and begin to question my own self-worth. Although social media has to do with an algorithm, and your posts may not be in everyone’s feeds, it’s often hard to realize that.
Another thing I personally struggle with is what to post. I don’t want to be judged by my followers, so it takes me forever to decide exactly what I want to post, caption included. But in the end, that shouldn’t matter. You should post what you want to, not what you think others want you to post. If you want to make Instagram casual again, go for it! Start a new trend! And remember, people post what they want others to see. So, if you think a celebrity is having a perfect life and you’re not, you’re really only seeing a sliver of it. They cater their posts to their audience very meticulously, and so, it doesn’t make sense for you to compare yourself to what you see in their posts.
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Social media was originally invented to communicate and share photos with others, so if you want to make it a more positive experience, do just that. Find funny tweets in your feed and direct message them to your closest friends. Post those photos of you and your friends at the beach, even if they aren’t perfect. People follow you because they want to see a glimpse into your life. Show them what makes you happy even if it isn’t what is deemed as “perfect.”
An additional beneficial aspect of social media is that you can use it to build a business or become a profitable creator. On Instagram, you can use a business profile through Instagram which promotes your posts and shows useful analytics to aid your business. The shopping tab also helps you sell material items more easily. On TikTok, with the “For You” page, anyone can blow up and become an influencer. You don’t have to be crazy talented or funny. Although some creators have those assets, anyone who posts a TikTok can get on the "For You" Page; it just depends on what the algorithm picks up and which audience likes it the most.
However, in the end, it’s up to you to choose what makes you happy. Sometimes social media can get to be too much, so take some time to hang out with people in person or over FaceTime/Zoom if you like connecting with others. If you want a new distraction, pick up a new hobby. My favorite is making intricate friendship bracelets. I find that keeps me off TikTok for hours on end. It’s also important to practice body positivity and understand that your body is perfect the way it is. This is your reminder that you look amazing today and every day for that matter. Keep it up! And the next time you’re told that your phone causes depression, remind those in your life of all the good things that have come about it like new friends and ways to communicate differently with others all over the world!
Photo Credit: 99 Designs
Loved the article! Excellent points!
Keep writing :D