Social Media: The Anxiety Machine

Posted: October 18, 2024

Look, social media can be a powerful tool for connection and growth, but it’s also a major trigger for anxiety, especially for young adults and teens. Why? Because social media loves to make you feel like you’re missing out, not measuring up, or just not enough. All those perfectly curated photos and viral success stories can do a number on your mental health. Sound familiar? You're not alone.

The Endless Scroll = Endless Stress

Let’s break it down. Here’s how social media can crank up your anxiety:

Comparison Trap: Ever feel like everyone else is living their best life while you’re barely holding it together? Constant exposure to other people’s highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy, triggering anxiety and even depression.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): That event you weren’t invited to, that group vacation you couldn’t afford—all in your face 24/7. The more you scroll, the more you feel like life is passing you by, and boom—anxiety overload.
Information Overload: Social media isn’t just about pics of your friend’s cute dog. It’s also a firehose of information: world crises, political drama, and constant updates. That’s enough to overwhelm anyone, triggering a stress response that can spiral into anxiety.

Signs Social Media is Worsening Your Anxiety

So, how do you know if your social feeds are messing with your mental health? Here are some red flags:

You feel anxious or depressed after spending time online.
You constantly compare yourself to others.
You experience FOMO regularly.
You have trouble sleeping due to nighttime scrolling (hello, doomscrolling).
You feel the need to check your social apps the second you wake up.

Sound like you? Yeah, you’re not alone. But guess what? It’s fixable.

How to Stop Social Media from Hijacking Your Mental Health

Here’s where it gets good—you don’t have to delete your accounts to reclaim your mental health. Let’s face it, social media isn’t going anywhere, so we’ve got to figure out how to live with it without letting it run our lives.

Here’s what you can do:

Set Time Limits: Give yourself permission to check your feeds—in moderation. Use built-in app timers (or set an old-school timer) to limit your scrolling to, say, 30 minutes a day. Trust me, you’ll feel lighter.
Curate Your Feed: Unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel anxious or inadequate. This is your space—so fill it with positivity, helpful resources, and people who make you feel good about yourself. #selfcare
Take Social Media Breaks: Ever heard of a digital detox? Yep, it’s a thing. Schedule regular breaks from your apps, even if it’s just for a weekend. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your anxiety starts to chill out.
Practice Mindfulness: Every time you reach for your phone, pause. Ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Being more intentional with your social media use can keep you from slipping into mindless scrolling and reduce anxiety in the process.

Bottom Line: Don’t Let Social Media Own You

Social media-induced anxiety is real. But the good news? You have the power to take control. Start small—limit your time, curate your feed, and take breaks when you need to. You’ll soon notice how much lighter you feel, and your mental health will thank you.

If social media is getting the best of your mental health and you’re struggling with anxiety, it might be time to get some extra support. Our team of therapists specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, especially when it’s linked to everyday pressures like social media. We offer free consultations so you can meet with one of our experts and start working toward a healthier, more balanced mental state.

We work with clients throughout New York and New Jersey through telehealth, we’re here to help you take back control of your life.

Ready to get started? Book your free consultation with us today! Reach out via our website or give us a call to schedule your appointment. Let's work together to tackle your anxiety and help you thrive.

Resources:

Mental Health America, "The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health." MHA.
Forbes, "How Social Media May Be Affecting Your Mental Health." Forbes.
Ravel Mental Health, "Looking Ahead: Mental Health Trends for Therapists in 2024." Ravel Mental Health LLCps://ravelmentalhealth.com/blog/looking-ahead-mental-health-trends-for-therapists-in-2024/).