In the digital age, social media has become our third space—a realm where personal and professional lives intersect, creating a unique set of challenges, especially for those of us in the 'creator' class. As both a consumer and a creator, I've navigated the labyrinth of social media pressures that profoundly impact our mental health.
As a Consumer: The Infinite Scroll
The ceaseless scrolling through social media feeds feels like a journey without a destination. Each swipe uncovers opinions on how I should lead my life, often leaving me questioning my path's authenticity. The advice of influencers, while well-intentioned, sometimes feels like a square peg for the round hole of my life. It's a relentless "do this, not that" barrage, mixed with the allure of "a day in the life of" posts, when all I'm trying to do is survive in the wild west of social media and perhaps enjoy a moment of downtime, perhaps watching some dog videos to pass the time.
This doom scrolling—a black hole of digital consumption—is like binge-watching a new season of Breaking Bad. It's a dopamine binge for my brain, neglecting the self-care crucial for well-being. It sparks a question: What even is relaxation now if we're constantly bombarded with information, always on, with increasing guilt and anxiety from comparing ourselves to each perfect reel showcasing the perfect life? It doesn't stop, and then I'm expected to go to sleep soundly.
In this relentless digital hustle, the concept of boredom has become alien. Gone are the days of simple pleasures, like reading cereal packets at breakfast. Now, the reflexive reach for the phone to scroll through social media has replaced those essential quiet moments of reflection and simplicity.
As a Creator: The Challenge of Authenticity
As a self-employed individual, the pressure to maintain a consistent digital presence is a source of constant anxiety. Every moment not posted online feels like falling behind in an ever-moving race. And yet, the reality of life's commitments means I cannot always be tethered to the virtual world. The stark contradiction is this: the busier I am offline, the more anxious I become about my online absence.
Crafting the perfect post is like scaling a mountain. I'm no expert in lighting or camera work, yet the expectation for polished, filtered content looms large. The challenging pursuit of digital perfection overshadows my sincere, unvarnished messages, which frequently go unshared.
Attention spans on social media are fleeting, forcing content to be sharp, quick, and constantly engaging. The pressure to capture attention in the first few seconds means that any natural pause, any human moment, is edited out, leaving a polished but perhaps less authentic version of my message.
Then comes the intricate dance of formats and algorithms. Posting content is no longer just about sharing; it's about strategising—the right format, the optimal time, the relentless repurposing across platforms. The focus shifts from the message to the metrics, from the heart of the content to the hunt for likes and views. It's an exhausting cycle, draining the joy from what was once a passion.
Ironically, the content I painstakingly create for educational purposes garners a fraction of the engagement that spontaneous, light-hearted posts do. It's a jarring reminder of the skewed values of social media engagement, leading to moments of existential questioning: What is my purpose here?
This constant branding, this perpetual selling of oneself, is a draining endeavour. It's a never-ending show where the lines between personal identity and digital persona blur—a realm where you put yourself willingly in the firing line of criticism from trolls.
Finding Balance
Navigating the complex web of social media and its impact on mental health and self-love is a journey that continues to unfold. As I reflect on my own experiences, I'm reminded of the importance of finding balance and remembering that, amidst the digital noise, the quiet whispers of self-love and authenticity are what truly matter. The key is not to take social media so seriously, try not to get sucked in, and use it to my advantage.
In this digital age, may we all find the courage to tread our own paths, embracing the imperfections and celebrating the real over the reel. How do you find balance in your digital life? Please drop a comment below!
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I hear you and resonate with all you say. It’s thinking about these things that make me even more determined to just do my own thing. The more you adapt to fit in with the norm, the more you compromise your essence. We’ll end up finding our unique tribe 💖💖
It’s relatable. I also feel like I’m just going to do what feels right for me vs chasing the ever changing algorithm. Because that’s just too exhausting.