The Social Media Break And Its Nexus To Mental Health
Back in the day, we used Instagram as a chill, fun, photographic way to express ourselves. In the present day, it feels like the app is using us.
Deleting social media can have significant benefits to your mental health.
Good Ol’ Instagram Done Changed
Imagine this: it's 2016, and you're leisurely scrolling through Instagram on your iPhone 7 Plus. You're double-tapping on your friend's posts—pictures of guys in skinny jeans, sporting white Huaraches, and zipped-up jackets, complete with the trendy addition of a hoodie-string-bow. Then there’s the heavily filtered mirror selfies from girls flashing peace signs that cover half their faces, and the simple black and white snapshots of someone's window view. Here, the pressure for picture-perfect images doesn’t exist. Even Beyoncé is active on the app, sharing candid shots of her extravagant vacations. In this realm of social media, Instagram is used for carefree enjoyment and genuine connections through photos.
However, today’s reality is different. Social life in cyberspace has shifted from a blasé atmosphere to a seemingly conscious one.
While scrolling on Twitter and TikTok you've probably seen discourse about the toxic expectations that arise from using Instagram. These expectations extend to actions such as liking posts, responding to stories, and commenting. There’s a new “Insta Etiquette” we all abide by and expect from friends, family, and acquainted mutuals on the app. When someone doesn’t engage with your photos, removes you from their account, or views your stories without reacting, it raises concerns about authenticity and loyalty and you might start to engage in conversations about “monitoring spirits”– or people who observe without actively participating or showing genuine interest in your content. Feeling all those eyes on you but no one engaging, or following the so-called “Insta Etiquette,” can create a level of insecurity, and eventually take a toll on your mental health. As moments of real-life connection are traded with obsessive screen time, it can lead to sleep disturbances, strained social relationships, anxiety, and depression in your life.
These pressures faced on social media are turning Instagram into the new “bad app” of the social media bunch. What once was a genuine hub for connecting with friends, has turned into a hunger game where everyone is vying for the most likes and followers.
The New Insta Etiquette
If you’ve been feeling the same way about the current state of Instagram, you’re not alone. Social media users are escaping the toxic energy of Instagram and finding refuge in TikTok, where they can vent about today’s Instagram culture. Iamrukait does a deep dive into why Instagram has a specific weird energy. She points out how the introduction of influencers and content creators changed the platform:
“Once the concept of an influencer or creator was introduced, it changed everything. Do you remember when on Instagram you would just post without any pressures? When we felt more comfortable to post random pictures of our lives, what we were doing, or just normal pictures of ourselves? But eventually, Instagram became very formal.”
Iamrukiat’s take on Instagram’s change brings us one step closer to tackling the negative effects of social media pressure. By calling out the reality of excessive Instagram use, more people, especially Black Gen-Zers, are taking breaks from social media.
M.W. (21) says that after he deactivated his Instagram, he noticed an improvement in his well-being. “Without social media, I feel less rushed to meet my goals and I don’t feel like I’m in competition with anyone.”
Ciearratati on TikTok also let viewers in on her experience with deactivating her social media accounts:
I take these breaks from all of my social media platforms. Like I’ve been off of Twitter for almost two years. I’ve been off of Facebook for almost a year…I don’t really be feeling like it. I just want to get off for a little bit. You know what I mean? And I take a lot of Instagram breaks like if you know me you know I take a lot of Instagram breaks.
These personal stories with social media sound as complex as a messy situationship—as much as you want to stay away, it’s hard to resist the pull. Social media is just as addictive, as we’re constantly switching from Twitter to Instagram to TikTok, scrolling through the bottomless pit of comedy, tragedy, and educational content– a rollercoaster of emotions that can leave you feeling drained. This highlights a broader issue of social media dominance in our daily lives, or to put it in simpler terms: social media got us in a chokehold.
Do Not Disturb
What is the ultimate goal we hope for someone who is facing an addiction or has a decline in mental health? We typically wish that they take the steps to permanently quit their addiction to help progress their state of mind. And in this case, we propose taking a social media break.
Taking a social media break, as many are doing in our community, can offer much-needed relief from constant scrutiny and comparison. It’s a great way to reconnect with yourself, regain perspective, and prioritize connections in your life that truly matter. During this time, it’s best to reflect on your relationship with social media and establish healthier habits for its use. Consider alternatives to overindulging in these platforms like reading, exercising, spending time outdoors, or trying creative hobbies. Taking a step back from social media can open your eyes to the world that is always right in front of you.
How Do I Know I Need A Break From Social Media?
Feeling constantly overwhelmed or stressed while scrolling through your social media feeds.
Finding yourself comparing your life unfavorably to others on social media.
Experiencing heightened levels of anxiety or negative emotions after using social media.
Noticing a decrease in productivity or difficulty concentrating due to excessive time spent on social media platforms.
Realizing that social media usage is interfering with your relationships, hobbies, or overall well-being.
What’s Next?
It’s probably not realistic to believe that our social media breaks will last forever, but incorporating regular social media breaks can mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen time. Once you’ve taken time away from social media, it’s easier to recognize your triggers. Do you need to unfollow people whose content makes you feel negative? Or maybe you realized TikTok was the reason for your lack of productivity, so now you only use it on the weekends.
Whatever the triggers, there's an opportunity for learning and implementing a healthier approach into daily life.
We may be one of the most progressive generations in our community, but we are still young and susceptible to the dangers of cyberspace. For the sake of our mental health, we need to use social media wisely, and always remember that technology is here to be a tool; we’re supposed to use it to build, not let it break us!