Surviving Social Media

Surviving Social MediaSurviving Social Media

Don’t let the ‘gram bring you down! by AINSLEY HOLMAN illustration by DANNY KAHN

It’s no surprise social media can affect your mental health and productivity levels, especially in college. While some may say the best option is to simply delete the time-consuming apps (hi, TikTok!), we have some alternatives to help you avoid toxic social media without completely pulling the plug.

Limit time spent on social media: You’ll be shocked at how much time you spend on your phone each day! To view these stats, check out the Screen Time tracker on iPhones. You’re able to see how much time you spend on each app, as well as your most popular “category,” such as Social Networking or Entertainment. From here, you can budget how much time you spend on certain apps by setting a timer that will notify you when you’ve reached your limit.

Mute certain words or topics: One of the worst feelings is scrolling through Twitter and seeing something that you didn’t want to be exposed to. Whether it’s a sensitive subject matter, or something that just pushes your buttons, Twitter has made it easy to block specific content with the new “mute” feature. You can choose certain words to hide from your timeline, giving you some peace of mind the next time you browse.

Try to not use your phone while in bed: We know, it’s tempting to scroll through Instagram before bed! The light from your screen, as well as the brain stimulation that occurs while on social media, can interrupt your natural circadian rhythm. Sleep is extremely important for your mental health, as it allows your body to reset and refresh. Also, the longer you spend on your phone, the harder it will be to put it away when it’s time to get some shut-eye!

Follow people that make you feel good: Whether it’s an influencer’s snatched waist or luxurious vacations abroad, comparison can easily invade your social media sphere. You can combat this harmful side effect of social media by following people who inspire you, instead of those who make you question your worth. Social media is supposed to be a fun and creative outlet. Don’t let it bring you down!

If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis services are available 24-hours, 365 daysa-year by calling 315.443.8000 to speak with a Syracuse University licensed medical provider.