Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get caught up in what’s happening online over social media? One minute you’re just looking at one post on Facebook, and the next thing, you’re scrolling through your timeline forever! Overuse of social media is a real problem people face, and it can distract you from some important “real life” responsibilities some times. So here are a few things to remember.

Social media vs ‘real life’

On social media, you can edit what people see. You’re able to take one hundred pictures and post the one you think is best. Not that there is anything wrong with that Choma, but its important to know that when you’re looking at people’s lives online, you’re looking at an edited version. You don’t see what they’re actually going through. For this reason, it’s important not to compare your life to what you see on social media. Your journey is not less important than anyone else’s because of what you have or don’t have – your journey is simply different. 

How to avoid getting caught up with the ‘social media’ life

Remember that your phone is not your life

Having a phone is a great way to get in touch with the people you care about instantly, but social media also means that everyone online has instant access to a part of your life, even when you don’t want them to. This can make you feel pressure to live up to a certain standard or to look like you’re living a life that isn’t really yours, all so that you can impress people that follow you. But it’s so important to remember that your real life is happening and it’s beautiful Choma.

Don’t get caught up in other people’s opinions

Do you ever find yourself getting caught up in what other people might think about you, or whether they like you? Well, this happens to so many young people. You’re probably still trying to understand yourself and figure out who you really are, but what you shouldn’t do is think that other people’s opinions of you are the truth. Not everyone is going to like you, just the same way that you’re not going to like every person you meet, but that doesn’t mean you are lesser than anyone else. You have to work at building a healthy self-esteem to really become confident in who you are- it’s a hard, but a very necessary process.

Don’t forget to experience life

When we do something interesting, sometimes our first thought is to let everybody else know about it. We feel that first rush of excitement, and immediately want everybody else to see it. Eventually, this can get you into a habit of not being present in the moment- whether you’re by yourself or with others. You don’t always have to share every single thing that’s happening in your life with the world.

Social media can be used to make you feel better about yourself (getting positive comments from friends; having positive questions online) and sometimes make you feel bad about yourself (leave you feeling envious or feeling bad about your own life). The important thing is to be confident in who you are and not feel like life on social media is actually how life should be.

If you feel like social media has made you feel bad about yourself lately, read these articles for self-esteem-boosting tips:

6 Steps to a healthy self-esteem

Self-confidence tips

How to build your body confidence

If you just need a quick boost after a negative social media binge, read 5 instant mood boosters. And for more self-loving advice, read about these 5 Life upgrades you need, that have nothing to do with your phone.

Always remember to love yourself, no matter what you see or read online.

Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).