I was thinking about…

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Finding Balance
by Andy Lee

I was thinking about…how social media has slowly crept into every corner of our lives. It influences the way we see ourselves, our friends, and even complete strangers. We live in an age where validation comes in the form of likes, shares, and comments. The constant stream of curated content has become a yardstick against which we measure our own worth. But have we stopped to think about how this 24/7 connectivity might be affecting our mental health?

You see, it wasn’t always like this. Back in the days of dial-up modems and message boards, the internet was an escape. It was a place to learn, explore, and connect. But now, social media has evolved into a beast of a different nature. It’s not just a tool anymore; it’s a lifestyle. And like any lifestyle, it comes with its ups and downs.

Scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Someone else’s vacation looks more fun, their house more pristine, their life more put together. Even though, deep down, we know these snapshots are just the highlight reels. It’s hard not to let them shape our perception of our own messy, imperfect reality. And that’s where the trouble starts.

Social media can be like a magnifying glass held up to our insecurities. That one negative comment on a post? It can stick in your mind, overshadowing the hundreds of likes and positive responses. That friend who didn’t invite you to their latest gathering? You wouldn’t have known or cared, but social media made sure you saw it. Suddenly, a tool that was supposed to connect us starts to feel like it’s driving a wedge between us. It begins to harm our own sense of self-worth.

I’m not here to demonize social media. It’s done a lot of good too—reconnecting lost friends, sparking movements, spreading awareness. But just like we wouldn’t eat junk food every meal of the day, we shouldn’t consume social media without some sort of moderation. We wouldn’t eat junk food every meal. Similarly, we shouldn’t consume social media without moderation. We shouldn’t consume social media without some sort of moderation. It’s about finding that balance—using it to stay connected, inspired, and informed, without letting it take over our mental space.

One way I’ve found to regain control is by setting boundaries. Whether it’s a digital detox on weekends or setting time limits on apps. Giving myself that breathing room has made a world of difference. And let’s be real—it’s not about completely cutting it out. It’s about being mindful of how and why we’re using it. Are we looking to connect, or are we just filling a void? Are we scrolling for inspiration, or are we seeking validation?

Another thing that’s helped is curating my feed. Gone are the accounts that left me feeling inadequate or anxious. Instead, I’ve filled my feed with creators who inspire me. I’ve also added friends who lift me up. Lastly, there are pages that remind me of the simple joys in life. It’s not about ignoring the realities of the world, but rather, choosing what I allow into my headspace.

At the end of the day, social media is just a tool. It can either build us up or bring us down, depending on how we use it. So, let’s challenge ourselves to take a step back. We need to be intentional about our online habits. We should prioritize our mental health over the never-ending quest for digital approval. No matter how many likes you get, it won’t compare to the peace of mind. This peace comes from living authentically, both online and off.

Stay balanced, keep connecting—but don’t forget to unplug every once in a while. 🌐✨