Navigating Social Media's Mindless Maze
Overcoming Intrusive Thoughts, Comparisons, and Overstimulation
Have you ever been sitting on the couch, look up at the clock, proceed to get sucked into your phone and then look at the clock again what feels like five minutes later but in reality an hour has passed? Yeah… me too. Nothing like an Instagram doom scroll to numb the constant barrage of bad news surrounding the events of Palestine, the dystopian upcoming election, or even today’s awful Zoom meeting. Social media’s grip on our generation is firm, and oftentimes unforgiving.
In the age of curated feeds designed to tell us how everyone is living their “best life”, it is easy to lose ourselves in the digital labyrinth of social media. As we navigate this virtual world, we must confront intrusive thoughts, self-comparisons, and overstimulation that can leave us feeling more disconnected than ever.
Today, I say - enough! Let’s talk about why social media is killing me and why I think we should all just take. a. break.
Intrusive Thoughts and Social Media
Facebook. Instagram. Tiktok. Twitter. And more. Each of these platforms has changed the way that we consume information - good, bad, and otherwise. The constant influx of images and status symbols - fashion, fitness, products, houses, vacations - on social media can exacerbate negative and persistent intrusive thoughts by positioning the latest version of what is supposed to be “the best”. Our inner saboteur whispers, "You'll never be good enough," or "Who cares about your life?" These thoughts, fueled by the onslaught of seemingly perfect lives, undermine self-esteem and mental well-being.
Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparing ourselves to others’ highlight reels can be brutal, often leaving us feeling inadequate. It's a double-edged sword: we crave connection and inspiration. However, is scrolling and double tapping a 5 second video truly a connection, and a genuine one at that? Sure, it’s the recognition and validation of someone’s contribution to the algorithm, but it is recognized that the constant exposure to idealized, framed, and curated versions of life can trigger depression and anxiety.
Overstimulation from Screens
Our phones and screens keep us constantly connected but often overstimulated. This overstimulation can lead to anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and a constant sense of urgency. I do not know about you, but I experience poorer quality sleep and really dry eyes when I use social media for longer times. Even though one might experience these side effects, disconnecting and recharging becomes increasingly more difficult the more time we spend online. I sometimes wish IG or TikTok would institute an automated message like Netflix does…“Are you still watching?” to get me to turn off the screen!
The Benefits of a Social Media Break
Taking a social media break or detox can help you reconnect with your authentic self and clarify your purpose for sharing your life online. A break can reduce the negative impacts of comparison and overstimulation while allowing you to embrace hobbies and regain perspective. As for me, I am going to dip my toe into the detox from socials and institute firm Screen Time rules across my other phone and computer activities for the next couple of weeks. I am also going to lean more into my writing here on Substack as an outlet, instead of swiping to infinity (and beyond).
Conclusion
Intrusive thoughts, comparisons, and overstimulation are significant challenges in the social media landscape. By recognizing these issues and taking proactive steps, such as practicing mindfulness, limiting exposure, and taking breaks, we can regain control and foster a healthier relationship with technology. Remember your worth is not determined by your social media presence. Take a step back, reconnect with your true self, and embrace the beauty of living beyond the screen.