As the use of social media and technology becomes increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, it is important to consider the effects it has on our brains and overall well-being. The social media diet is a framework for content consumption to optimizing mental health while online.
The impact of this constant use of technology on our brains is a topic of concern, with studies showing that those who use social media the most may be at a higher risk for mental health issues due to the brain’s response to certain stimuli. In fact, while face-to-face conversation can reduce stress levels by up to 68%, scrolling through social media feeds can increase stress levels by 110%. This disconnect from real human interaction can lead to anxiety and depression, and even alter one’s perception of reality.
I’ve designed the Social Media Diet to be a framework for finding joy, building resilience, and finding fulfillment and connection while online. Pillars are based on discovering new subjects, contributing to positive collective actions, expressing ourselves and creating content, exploring and playing with others, reducing cognitive bias, and building personal confidence. By following this framework, we can ensure that our use of social media and technology enhances rather than detracts from our lives.
There are several factors that contribute to the way technology and media affect our brains. The sheer volume of information available online can be overwhelming and make it difficult to discern what is important. In addition, the way we interact online versus offline is different, with web pages often full of distractions that detract from the main purpose of the page. This can lead to a lack of focus and difficulty in retaining information.
The first key element of the social media diet is seeking out discovering new subjects of interest. This can involve actively seeking out diverse perspectives and ideas, rather than simply consuming content that confirms our existing beliefs. By exposing ourselves to new subjects, we can broaden our understanding of the world and enrich our own lives.
Individual exploration, expression, & inspiration are also important parts of a balanced social media diet. This can involve sharing our own thoughts, ideas, and creations with others, rather than simply consuming the content of others. By expressing ourselves and creating content, we can gain a sense of fulfillment and contribute to the diversity of perspectives on social media.
Group contribution, collaboration, and play are other important aspects of your Social Media Diet. This can involve using social media to connect with others and engage in activities that are fun and enjoyable. Contributing to positive collective actions boosts feelings of community.
This can involve using social media as a platform to advocate for causes we care about, supporting others, and engaging in discussions that contribute to the greater good. By actively participating in social media rather than simply consuming content, we can make a positive impact on the world around us. By using social media for exploration and play, we can maintain a sense of balance and find joy in the platform.
Creating a balanced media consumption diet is a vital step toward maintaining positive mental health. Here are some tips for diversifying your content and finding a healthy balance:
Limit your consumption of sensationalized or negative news: While it is important to stay informed, constantly consuming negative or sensationalized news can have a negative impact on your mental health. Try to balance your news consumption with positive or uplifting content.
Take breaks from social media: Instead of constantly scrolling through your feeds, take regular breaks from social media. Use this time to disconnect and engage in activities that nourish your mind and body.
Engage in activities that promote mindfulness: Instead of constantly consuming media, try activities that promote mindfulness and presence, such as meditation or yoga.
Find a balance between consuming and creating content: While it is important to consume media, it is also important to express yourself and create your own content. This can help you build confidence in your own ideas and contribute to the diversity of perspectives on social media.
Reducing cognitive biases can involve being mindful of the content we consume and actively seeking out diverse perspectives. By reducing cognitive bias, we can ensure that our understanding of the world is not limited by our own preconceptions.
Building personal confidence: This can involve using social media as a platform to share our own thoughts and ideas, rather than simply consuming the content of others. By expressing ourselves and sharing our own content, we can build confidence in our own beliefs and ideas.
By implementing a social media diet that includes these elements, we can ensure that our use of social media and technology enhances rather than detracts from our lives. It is important to have open conversations about how we deal with media and technology in order to support each other and navigate the overwhelming amount of information available.
By being mindful of our use of technology and finding a balance, we can ensure that we are not negatively impacted by it and can continue to use it in a way that benefits us.