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Default Nov 07, 2021 at 06:05 PM
  #1
Do you find social media to better your mental health or make it worse!?

So I recently started following some people on Instagram that are mental health professionals or other sufferers of obsessive compulsive symptoms - and wow. I actually don’t feel so badly anymore when I open my feed as compared to before. Sometimes the algorithm makes me feel WORSE - with the targeted advertisements and random posts that would trigger FEAR.

It’s a double edged sword sometimes, but maybe I need to use it more mindfully?

Just curious what you all thought of social media?
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Lightbulb Nov 07, 2021 at 08:02 PM
  #2


It depends on the type of social media.

I deleted my FB, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. Their algorithms make it impossible to keep your mental health in check when you are forced to sift through all the ads and suggestive feeds. Constant arguments and more divides only fuel more hate and divisions in our country. There's no solutions, just endless banter and verbal attacks.

Alternatively, I decided to go with forums like these for support, as well as WordPress. I can pick and choose what I want to read, for the most part. We'll still see some debates, but they are more civilized than mainstream social media.

For my mental and physical health, I need to stay connected with humans, as I cannot meet in person because of my immunocompromised status. So social media is a benefit in terms of staying connected, especially during risky holidays when the uptick in Covid-19 cases likely ensue. I celebrate with others online, which helps me cope with loneliness, isolation, physical disabilities, and depression better.

But regarding the news, I have to limit it to once per day (twice, if our area has been hit with another thing that affects my health, like crisis standards of care or whether or not disabled people will receive a check in December or January). The news and the politics behind the news are all depressing. But being informed is necessary, as we can prepare for safety and/or advocacy. If you feel helpless or defeated, social media isn't good. If you feel empowered and supported, then social media is good. It's a matter of finding your tribe in the age of neo tribalism.
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Default Nov 07, 2021 at 08:57 PM
  #3
I have it it makes me feel unsuccessful. no family cause I'm divorced, no friends get togethers, no house to decorate for the holidays, just a small apt. Those things make me sad.

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Default Nov 07, 2021 at 11:54 PM
  #4
I think, for me anyway, social media (including MSF, facebook, etc...) can be healthy and / or unhealthy, depending how I use it, my mood, and the frequency I use it, as well as what I'm looking at on there. It helps me to change up my news feed to more positive things, and to take breaks from social media as needed.
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Default Nov 08, 2021 at 09:49 PM
  #5
Quote:
Originally Posted by SprinkL3 View Post


It depends on the type of social media.

I deleted my FB, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. Their algorithms make it impossible to keep your mental health in check when you are forced to sift through all the ads and suggestive feeds. Constant arguments and more divides only fuel more hate and divisions in our country. There's no solutions, just endless banter and verbal attacks.

Alternatively, I decided to go with forums like these for support, as well as WordPress. I can pick and choose what I want to read, for the most part. We'll still see some debates, but they are more civilized than mainstream social media.

For my mental and physical health, I need to stay connected with humans, as I cannot meet in person because of my immunocompromised status. So social media is a benefit in terms of staying connected, especially during risky holidays when the uptick in Covid-19 cases likely ensue. I celebrate with others online, which helps me cope with loneliness, isolation, physical disabilities, and depression better.

But regarding the news, I have to limit it to once per day (twice, if our area has been hit with another thing that affects my health, like crisis standards of care or whether or not disabled people will receive a check in December or January). The news and the politics behind the news are all depressing. But being informed is necessary, as we can prepare for safety and/or advocacy. If you feel helpless or defeated, social media isn't good. If you feel empowered and supported, then social media is good. It's a matter of finding your tribe in the age of neo tribalism.
Thank you for your thoughtful response! I’m sorry that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit you so hard, but I’m glad you’ve found some support during this.
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Default Nov 08, 2021 at 09:51 PM
  #6
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Originally Posted by Aviza View Post
I have it it makes me feel unsuccessful. no family cause I'm divorced, no friends get togethers, no house to decorate for the holidays, just a small apt. Those things make me sad.
Hi Aviza

I’m sorry to hear that social media makes you feel unsuccessful. In my book, if it means anything, I think that success is up to the person to decide. I can tell you that in my own experience the social media game can be just another rat race.
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Default Nov 08, 2021 at 09:51 PM
  #7
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Originally Posted by WovenGalaxy View Post
I think, for me anyway, social media (including MSF, facebook, etc...) can be healthy and / or unhealthy, depending how I use it, my mood, and the frequency I use it, as well as what I'm looking at on there. It helps me to change up my news feed to more positive things, and to take breaks from social media as needed.
Yep - sometimes a break is absolutely necessary! Thank you for your response.
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Default Nov 21, 2021 at 12:33 PM
  #8
I think for myself as a severely autistic woman who never managed to reach the stage of being able to cope with a physical partner or kids, it makes me feel more different when other 'neurotypical' women my age think I'm odd cos I never mention a partner or kids. I also have a 'young mind' and interests (video games and colouring).


On the other hand when I've more rarely found someone else more like me it is a comfort I'm not the only one!
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Default Nov 21, 2021 at 12:42 PM
  #9
I don't have a partner or kids either. I used to want kids but never a partner (was planning to adopt and be a single mom) and many people thought that was weird. I'm aromantic and don't see the point of romance at all.

I have not been diagnosed, but have thought for a while that I might be on the autism spectrum.
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Default Dec 11, 2021 at 10:09 AM
  #10
Quote:
Originally Posted by WovenGalaxy View Post
I think, for me anyway, social media (including MSF, facebook, etc...) can be healthy and / or unhealthy, depending how I use it, my mood, and the frequency I use it, as well as what I'm looking at on there. It helps me to change up my news feed to more positive things, and to take breaks from social media as needed.

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