INSIDE THE MIND OF SOCIAL MEDIA

“You are responsible for everything you post [on social media] and everything you post will be a reflection of you.”
-Germany K

We’ve all done this at some point. You grab your phone to check a “few” social media notifications. You’re sure it won’t take more than a few minutes.

You reply back, hit all the “likes,” share what you find interesting and look at the clock. Surprise surprise, it’s a few hours later!

I don’t know about you but I know I’ve been a part of the aforementioned situation many times.

While navigating the shores of this love/hate relationship with social media, I’ve learned a few things.

Yes, social media can help you if utilized the right way. No, social media doesn’t have to be the cause of mental anguish as long as you don’t give it more credit than it deserves.

Like any other endeavor, social media has its pros and cons. With that in mind, here are a few tips that might help you filter out some of the negativity.

1. Be clear about whatever you’re posting.
   We all have the freedom of speech and the right to express our opinions. But with that comes a responsibility that whatever we say, we must say with the right amount of thought and in the right context. Otherwise, our opinions will neither be respected nor taken seriously.
2. Avoid getting into a “cat fight” with someone.
   Let me be clear about this: If someone is abusing you, by all means defend yourself. It’s your right to do so and is important to maintain your self-respect. That said, it’s also important to remember that trolls only have one objective in mind: To get you stirred up. If you end up going in circles, it’s best to drop it or take it offline because no matter what you say, trolls won’t stop their tirade nor will they be convinced otherwise.
3. Don’t try to read too much into someone you haven’t met in person.
   Is online romance possible? Indeed, it is. But until romantic feelings are confirmed by both people, never assume someone feels a specific way about you simply by their written words. I can’t tell you the number of times friends have told me how they met a “great guy or girl online” and “it’s getting serious” only to later find out that one of them misunderstood the extent of other’s fondness for them. More “relationships” on social media tend to end badly than not.
4. At some point, detox.
   In many ways, this is the hardest tip to follow especially if your career or the success of your website or brand depends on social media interaction. Nevertheless, at some point, everyone needs a break. The mental exhaustion that a social media addiction causes can be severely dangerous in the long run which will effect both you as well as whatever you’re trying to promote negatively. Taking a break will also allow you to clear your head and make sure your feet are still firmly planted on the ground.

While nothing is a guarantee, psychologists and mental health experts generally believe that by incorporating the tips above, you have a better chance of having an overall more positive experience on social media.

Do you agree with the tips above regarding social media? Why or why not? Do you have tips of your own that you specifically follow? Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below on our secure servers.

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