Chapter 1: Understanding My Social Media Struggles

Could we be more engaged in our everyday lives?

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

Let’s be honest—I can be a bit quirky. Not in a creepy way, but in those moments when I accidentally say, “Okay, love you, bye,” to a customer service agent, or respond with “You too” when a drive-thru attendant wishes me well with my meal.

After spending a significant amount of time in solitude, I found myself out of touch with social interactions. What’s more, the landscape of social media had shifted dramatically during my hiatus.

Although I never fully embraced social media, I always desired to connect more. Ideally, these platforms could foster connections among billions and provide a venue for self-expression. Coming from a background where I often felt misunderstood, I was eager to share my true self with the world. The thought of having a small corner of the internet to showcase my life seemed perfect for making genuine connections.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t my experience at all. Over the years, I endeavored to adapt to the social media norms, only to discover that much of it felt superficial. Behind the polished images and curated feeds lies a stark reality—everyone seems to be putting on a façade.

A single staged photo can never encapsulate the true essence of the moment. We are, after all, living real lives. With influencers, ads, and algorithms influencing what we see, it’s increasingly hard to discern authenticity.

This isn't a critique of today's social landscape; rather, it's an acknowledgment that I’ve struggled to communicate in that language, and I find myself less inclined to try.

Naturally, I still use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and Pinterest, so I recognize that social media has its place. However, I discovered how to alleviate my social media anxiety through three key strategies:

1. I Stopped the Comparison Game

   If you want to breed insecurities, just compare yourself to the countless users on social media. The reality of life often diverges significantly from the curated images we see. Simple everyday experiences—like wanting to sleep in or carrying an umbrella in the rain—are shared by all of us.

2. I Recognized the Trade-offs of Social Media Engagement

   My feelings toward social media aren’t negative; I genuinely enjoy it—within moderation. As an artist, I often find inspiration in others’ creativity. However, I refrain from mindlessly scrolling for hours through videos, ads, and gossip that clutter these platforms. Balance is essential.

3. I Engaged More with Real Life

   It may sound unconventional, but I believe social media often fills a void created by our reluctance to engage with reality. This isn’t a comprehensive view, but it prompts an important question: could we invest more in our everyday lives? I certainly think so.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I’d love to hear your insights and experiences regarding social media and anxiety. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

If you have a moment, check out the engaging reads below.

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If you enjoyed this, you might like my series Hi Notez.

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Chapter 2: Overcoming Anxiety on Social Media

In this insightful video, André 3000, Solange, and Dave discuss ways to manage anxiety related to social media usage. Their perspectives offer practical tips for navigating the pressures of online interactions.

Chapter 3: Finding Balance in Digital Engagement

This video explores social media anxiety and provides strategies to prevent it from affecting your mental well-being. Learn how to strike a healthy balance in your online presence.