Social Media: Friend or Foe?

by Annie Nicol, MSW, LISW

We’ve all heard the phrase about social media; “Don’t compare your every day life with someone else’s highlight reel.” This is meaningful and important advice. Comparison is truly the thief of joy and there are many better ways to spend your precious time than scrolling your newsfeed. However, with approximately 80% of the US population now using social media daily, it is clearly here to stay.

Online “friends” can bring connection and interaction to people in different generations and locations, but for every high school friend whose wedding pictures you get to see, there is at least one former co-worker who stirs up contentious political disagreements. Social media is a tool that can be used “for good or for evil,” and it is important to keep boundaries in mind when using it.

For one, remember to limit the amount of time spent on your computer/ tablet/ phone/ watch. Apps like In Moment and Space help you track how much time you spend using specific apps like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, etc. Secondly, evaluate how you feel when you are cruising the internet. Do your interactions with other users leave you feeling angry, left out, anxious, or like you need to lose weight or go shopping? If so, consider how you follow. Most of the major apps have the option to “unfollow” certain people who do not bring you joy.

As always, please monitor what your kids are doing online and who they talk to. Social media is easy to use and can reach far, which can be both good and bad. Make sure they are making wise choices in who they connect with.