Setting Limits with Social Media

As with anything, there can be benefits and consequences associated with social media (SM) use. The benefits can include connecting and reconnecting with people, building a sense of community, getting restaurant recommendations, sharing creativity etc. It can be a wonderful experience when your feed is curated to include things that bring you up rather than bring you down. 

Unfortunately, we can’t control everything that we are exposed to online. Even the most mindful users can find themselves bombarded with things that increase their anxiety and even make them question their self-worth. With all of this in mind, how can you set healthy digital boundaries and find more good than harm?  

What the Numbers Say

For many of us, social media is a part of your every day. Butler Hospital shares some startling statistics:

  • Americans spend an average of 145 minutes a day on social media platforms a day (that’s 876 hours or more than 36 days per year!!!)
  • 39% of users feel they are addicted to social media
  • 59% of adults report that SM has negatively impacted their mental health

It is important to take a look at how often you are logging into social media platforms and how much time you are spending when you do. The impacts can be staggering. Setting limits with your use can be complicated. Therapy can help you to learn to set healthier digital boundaries. 

How Can Social Media Affect You? 

Social media can negatively impact your mental health in a variety of ways. Some of these ways may include: 

  • Increased Stress, Anxiety and Worry: Constant notifications and information overload can raise daily stress levels.
  • Lowered Self-Esteem and Unfavorable/Unrealistic Comparisons: Seeing filtered, polished versions of other people’s lives can make you feel inadequate.
  • Sleep Issues: Late-night scrolling and blue-light exposure interfere with quality sleep.
  • Mood Problems: Heavy social media use is linked to increased loneliness and depressive symptoms.

You Can Set Healthier Boundaries 

  • Set daily screen-time limits. 
  • Unfollow accounts that trigger stress or comparison. 
  • Create phone-free times, especially before bed. 
  • Take short breaks or “digital detox” days. 
  • Use social media with intention—not out of habit.

It is possible to use SM responsibly. Implementing and maintaining healthy boundaries can go a long way. 

 

Where You Can Get Help

Social media can influence your mental health in meaningful ways, but with mindful habits and healthy boundaries, you can enjoy the benefits while minimizing the risks.

It is possible to use responsibly and set healthy digital boundaries, however, it can be difficult to do on your own. If you are struggling with the impact social media has had on your life you deserve support. Therapy can help you to take a realistic look at how you are functioning and find healthier ways to move forward. 

Carolina Counseling Services contracts with skilled licensed therapists who can help. If you are looking for exceptional mental health care in Sanford, NC look no further than CCS. Online sessions are available as well making it easier than ever before to get quality psychiatric care anywhere in North Carolina. Reach out now to get started!

Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), Tricare, Medicaid and many more!

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.