While I’d love to make this post into your average rant about how toxic and terrible social media is- social media is a necessity for many people. Not everyone has the privilege of unplugging.
Social media is:
- A way to communicate
- A way to promote
- A way to entertain
- A way to share
- An outlet for new opportunities
- A job
Whether you’re using social media to promote your business or keep in contact with others, you can alter a negative experience into a positive one by modifying what you engage in. As I’m sure we all know, Instagram, tik Tok, and many other platforms will show you more content depending on what you interact with.
How do I know if something has a negative effect on me?
It seems simple to depict, but sometimes we mistake interest for unhealthy consumption.
For example, gossip. Gossip, rumors, drama- those are all energy drainers because they’re rooted in negativity- it’s also everywhere. While it may be entertaining in the moment, heavy consumption of a negative source becomes you.
“Gossip is usually about your predatory mind trying to pull down someone’s identity. But you end up pulling yourself down into that dense energy zone where it’s harder to be creative, imaginative, kind and elegant.” – Rakel Sosa, Women Health Author.
I’m sure we’ve all heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”
Well, this saying isn’t completely true. Social media is filled with words! They may not physically hurt you, but words do have impact. They hold massive power and everything you say/ consume manifests into your reality.
The next time you’re scrolling and see something that puts another person down, spreads false rumors, or creates unnecessary drama.. utilize the buttons social media gives you.
You can mute, you can block, you can unfollow. This is how you disengage. This is how you control your social media experience.
I used to follow tons of “tea” pages because at the time they were interesting. It’s easy to become consumed by things we see as harmless entertainment. But one thing I’ve learned is that we are a mirror of what we consume.
If I am consuming hate and negativity, that rolls over into my identity- and that’s not okay.
A few months ago, I made the decision to delete my personal Instagram. I’d had that account for years– since I was a child. It followed me through so many destructive phases of my life that I didn’t even know were harmful at the time. The amount of toxic creators I followed (thinking they were amazing), the accounts rooted in “funny” content that was really just mean. The people, some who I wasn’t even friends with anymore- some that I barely even knew. It was annoying getting on Instagram because I didn’t care for anything I saw. I didn’t care about the guy ranting on his close friends about how he hates women and will never get in a relationship. I didn’t care for the girl airing out her baby daddy issues for the whole world to see. (However, I do hope he eventually stepped up.) And I definitely didn’t care about whatever scandal a celeb was wrapped up in.
Social media defaults to what’s popular. Negativity is popular! Like the whole Hailey, Selena, Justin drama.. it was everywhere! And as you’re consuming that, it’s interesting. It definitely grabbed my attention. But it was rooted in putting down other people who we don’t even know! We put so much of our energy into things that don’t matter.
Who’s talking about Hailey, Selena, and Justin anymore?
The energy we put into consuming such a negative narrative is wasted until we find the next scandal that pulls us in.
I went on several social media breaks to help my mental health over the years, just to come back and be negatively affected again.
When I created my new Instagram, the one rooted in positivity, I became mindful of who I followed. I made sure everyone on my feed was contributing something influential and inspiring. Because of this, when I do enter my social media account, it’s a positive experience that contributes greatly to my energy.
I would love to say goodbye to social media and completely unplug, but I use these platforms to share, connect, and get my messages out there. Instead of just dealing with how negative social media can be, I worked on creating a safe space where I could make a positive impact- and you can too.
When you see a post, a comment, a story- how does it make you feel? Positive or negative? And do you want to see/feel more of it? Listen to your initial gut feeling.
Energy is contagious! It follows you everywhere and influences everything you do. That’s why it’s so important to set healthy boundaries around yours. Whether it’s on your social media account, or in your day-to-day life, cultivating a positive, uplifting energy is crucial.
To create a safe space on your Instagram, or other platforms, know that there is a positive side to social media, and you have the power to see it.
The side that teaches you, helps you grow, makes you happy, and allows you to create and share freely.
Don’t be afraid to unfollow that person, mute that account, or block that creator. These factors can so easily prevent a strain on not only your energy, but your overall mental health.
Social media can be positive if you allow positive things to flow.
Be mindful of what you’re engaging in, what you’re sharing, and the energy you are not only putting out, but contributing to.
