Six keys to a happier social media life

During the past few years, it’s become clear that social media’s impact on our mental health is, at best, mixed. There are undoubtedly positives in the form of new and deeper connections, the availability of enriching and entertaining content, and the opportunity for self expression. However, the downsides are abundant as well, with the net effect being a correlation between time spent on social media and anxiety and depression. 

The catch is, social media use can seem almost unavoidable in both our personal and professional lives, given how integrated it’s become to building businesses and connecting with loved ones. Factor in the prevalence of groups, news, and tools available exclusively through sites like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and it can even be even harder to opt out. 

So, how do you use social media without sacrificing your happiness, productivity, and sanity? Here’s what to consider.

1. Remember, you're in control. As stated above, it may seem like social media use is mandatory, but we're in complete control of which platforms we use, who we connect with, and the content we interact with. No, we can't control other people's perceptions and actions or the algorithms that dictate what we see in the news feed, but we can mitigate the negative impact of all these things. The key is to understand why you're using social media and what you want to avoid. Once you know the answer, you may find you’re better off removing an individual connection, blocking certain content, or even deleting an entire app.

2. Use social media as a tool, not a distraction. Even the most conservative estimates say we spend an average of two hours per day on social media. Some of that time is undoubtedly productive, but a lot of it isn't. It's important to consider how much of that time is personally beneficial or fulfilling. If social media helps you get things done or stay connected in a meaningful way, great; if it's just a distraction that prevents you from real-world connections or productivity, it may be worth thinking about not just which sites you use, but how you’re spending your time on those sites.

3. Use social media to improve, and not replace, real-world relationships. Social media works best when it enhances existing relationships. Too often, however, it serves as a substitute, with an annual “happy birthday” post being the only interaction between two connections. While you don’t always have to spend substantive time with everyone in your network, you may benefit from focusing on the quality of your connections instead of the quantity of them. Being more selective will also give you more opportunity to focus on the people and things that matter most instead of trying to wade through less meaningful posts and comments.

4. Establish rules and set time limits. If you have trouble getting away from social media, you're not alone. The platforms use social engineering to keep us tied to our news feeds, because this ultimately determines what they can charge advertisers. It’s critical, therefore, to set boundaries so you’re not at the mercy of the algorithm.  For example, you could restrict your use of social media to certain hours or set a limit for the collective time you spend on social media platforms overall. Without these rules, you’re putting your finite discipline up against the temptations of the infinite scroll--and that’s not a fair fight even on your best days.

5. Think before you post. Just as our self control is no match for social engineering, our judgment often fails us when we have the unfettered ability to share whatever we’re thinking, wherever we are, immediately and without cost. There are countless examples of people who wish they gave their posts and comments more thought (present company included). While it's easier said than done, the remedy is to take a minute before you post anything. As retired NFL player T.J. Watt once said, “A reputation takes years and years to build, and just one press of a button to ruin.” 

6. Understand security risks. As more of our lives are lived online, we open ourselves up to more security risks. Identity theft, phishing, and even cyber extortion are on the rise, so it’s important to protect yourself. Limit what you share, even when it seems like you’re sharing it privately, and take the time to adjust your security settings. As the scammers get more sophisticated, we need to be more vigilant.

Ultimately, your mental health is much more important than your social media presence. The good news is, you don’t have to choose between the two. If you take time to guard against the pitfalls and adapt as needed, the experience will be more positive--for you and your connections.