Hey KALMers! What is your relationship like with social media?
It’s normal these days for us to use our social media channels as our personal online diaries. We feel the pressure to post all of our activities on online platforms: whether it’s the food we eat, the places we go, or the clothes we wear.
However, since these “diaries” are open for the whole world to see we are also faced with the temptation to look as good as we can. In order to do that we use filters to produce the prettiest selfies, edit even the worst of locations, take hundreds of pictures to make sure we get the best angle. We want to tell the world how perfect our lives are whether it might be the truth or not.
Social Media and Toxic Relationship
KALMers, social media has been found as one of the causes of toxic relationships with ourselves.[3].
According to a study published by Anthony Robinson in Texas, United States of America, majority of the respondents answered that social media is one of the causes of self-depression. Through social media, we make unhealthy comparisons between ourselves and our friends’ lives, thinking that the grass is greener on the other side. It leads us to feel less about ourselves and experience low self-confidence. Other symptoms that the study mentions are excessive fatigue, desperation, guilt, and losing pleasures in activities previously loved.
The competitive illusion and perfectionism encouraged by social media increases loneliness, according to Thomas Curran and Andrew P. Hill, who found that the number of depression among millennials have doubled since 10 years ago. Added to that millennials feels the need to compete with their friends and feel they need to spend more money in order to look good – adding to the pressure caused by economic inequalities.[4]
Signs It Might Be Time To Take a Social Media Break:
KALMers, if you are confused about what are the signs that you need to be away from your social media, here are some questions to ask yourself!:
- Do you feel physical urges to be on social media?
- Do you feel a sense of anxiety from not being able to access social media?
- Do you feel low and unworthy after scrolling through your feed?
- Do you spend more than two hours a day on social media?
- Do you spend more time on social media interacting with others than you do IRL?
- Do you retreat to social media while feeling down?
If KALMers has a “YES” answer to one of the questions and more, it might be time really considering breaking up with your social media addictions.
Why We Need to End This Toxic Relationship
KALMers, you might think that being away from social media is scary and make your not sociable anymore, but it’s actually very healthy for yourself. The truth is, stepping away from social media on a regular basis is a healthy ritual for all of us to practice, and not exclusively recommended during moments of transition, vulnerability, heightened anxiety, or crisis.
There are 4 reasons why we need to take on a social media hiatus:
- It helps you set boundaries
Social media can be a place filled with anxiety and by setting the boundaries, we will be able to get away from it and not letting negativity into our personal space. Shutting off the noise on social media by taking a break can be the healthiest boundary you set for yourself , which is the ultimate form of self-care
- It helps you stay focused on your goals.
Stepping away from social media ensures that you keep your eyes on your prize. This means no wasted energy thinking about others’ comments and who viewed your latest Instagram Story. It will be refreshing to do things that feel good just for you, rather than doing them for the social media posts.
- It helps you reclaim your time
Get busy doing life! Do things that you want and you need to accomplish, don’t give into social media’s procrastination pull.
- It helps you reconnect and come back stronger
Reconnects with not only your friends, colleagues, or family. By shutting off of social media allows you to reconnects with yourself. Know the essence of you again and discover who you really are.
Tips to Curb Your Social Media Addiction!
KALMers, these are ways for you to stop your relationship once it reaches toxic level. Let’s find out below:
- Turn Off Your Notifications (e.g. disable the social media push notifications to concentrate on your daily tasks and not get distracted so easily)
- Limit Yourself (e.g. Set a timer on your watch or phone, to limit the amount of time you spend on social media. Be strong as the temptations to add more times in social media will be bigger once you have reached your limits, don’t give into it, KALMers)
- Get A New Hobby (e.g. Learn a new skill or do something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time)
- Spend More Time With Your Loved Ones (e.g. spend time with them in the real world and reconnect. Make new memories and keep them personal to you)
- Make It A Treat (e.g. only access your social media as a reward of achieving your goals)
- Meet People In Real Life (e.g. join a club, attend a talk, organize a get-together where all your friends bring a friend, or embark on a single’s night, meet a new connection)
- Go Cold Turkey (e.g. having a holiday from social media)
KALMers, it might be hard to limit yourself from social media, but it can be done! Our app also provides great support by certified psychologists and counselors, who can help you through social media struggles and depression. Don’t bury your feelings – let’s talk about it! To get more information or simply get in touch with them, visit www.get-kalm.com or visit their Instagram at @Get.kalm or download the KALM application on Android Playstore or Apple App Store.
Sources:
[1] https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/abn-abn0000410.pdf
[2] http://www.depkes.go.id/article/view/18110200003/potret-sehat-indonesia-dari-riskesdas-2018.html
[4] https://www.halodoc.com/4-alasan-utama-kenapa-generasi-milenial-lebih-gampang-depresi
[5] https://www.bustle.com/articles/144893-7-ways-to-stop-your-social-media-addiction
0 Comments
Leave a comment