Social Media and Anxiety

     When thinking about drawbacks and positives of social media, I think of the two I have primarily used over the years: Instagram and Snapchat. Where Snapchat can be a lighthearted way to communicate with friends, I have found Instagram to offer what feels like an overload of information. I think this is the drawback of a platform designed more to look into the lives of others versus communicate with others. Instagram has the potential to create a lot of anxiety in the way it shows highlights of people's lives. Feelings of missing out can build causing anxiety that leads to depression and sleeplessness. Instagram is now inherently connected to capitalism and promoting goods, which can feel overwhelming. I think for me a key factor in my choice of what social media I use depends on what makes me feel connected versus simply overstimulated. 

        I believe that the community one has online affects whether social media can be anxiety inducing or self esteem boosting. If one follows people they find themselves comparing their lives to, this can lead to anxiety. Even if they are aspirational role models or strangers, comparison is a thief of joy and can negatively impact ones self worth. However, cultivating a following of family and friends, in which sharing online is met with affirmation and support can really help grow someone's confidence. Sharing accomplishments can lead to words of encouragement which could boost someone's self belief.