How to build a healthy relationship with social media

Social media can be a powerful tool and I don’t believe it’s a bad thing in and of itself. However, as helpful as social media can be, it also has its negative effects.

We tend to spend a lot of time on these platforms which have sadly contributed to the struggles many people face. Whether it’s dealing with lust, unhealthy comparison, stress or pressure, it can be overwhelming.

Considering how much impact social media has on us, even when we use it for legitimate reasons, we should learn how to have a healthy relationship with these platforms.

Here are 5 ways to build a healthy relationship with social media

1. Manage your account and notification settings.

This can work whether you use social media for personal reasons or for creating content. You may consider having a private account if you’re okay with it or set up a close friends’ list.

Adjust your notification settings. You can decide how your notification alerts show on your device if you want them e.g as banners, badges, and message previews. Alternatively, you can turn off notification alerts for certain apps such that you only see them when you open the app.

Realise that most messages & replies can wait. You can also archive or mute chats, stories and status. You have control over your device so make it work for you.

2. Clean your feed and audience list.

Review those you follow and those who follow you, if necessary. As you grow, you may also have to change your social media feed. Don’t be afraid of change especially when it’s for your good.

3. Take breaks and unplug from social media.

Set time limits and respect them. Delete the social media apps for some time. You can trust a friend to change your password for a while.

Initially, it may seem difficult to go off social media but it’s possible. It also gets easier as you do it.

4. Keep the social media platforms intentionally out of sight.

Think of it this way. When it’s intentionally out of sight, it possibly stays out of your mind.

You can remove or hide the app from the home screen of your phone. You can also decide to only log in to social media on your laptop or with a secondary device.

When your social media apps are not easily within your reach, you’ll likely spend less time using them.

5. Learn to be okay with not knowing everything or what’s going on with everyone.

You must make peace with this. You simply can’t keep up with everything and everyone. I don’t even believe it’s healthy for your mind to know everything.

Also, understand that you don’t have to create an account or be active on every existing social media platform.

Sometimes, I think we weren’t designed to have this much exposure to other people’s lives. It’s no surprise we feel overwhelmed when we try to keep up with all that’s happening with everyone around us.

These suggestions have worked for me most of the time. There were also times I didn’t follow my advice and experienced its consequences. Nevertheless, like me, you can always bounce back to doing things better.

In addition to all the practical steps above, you should also ask God to help you build this healthy relationship with social media. Yes, He cares and helps with stuff like this too.

Control your social media usage, don’t let social media control you.

Finally, I believe it’s important to know that deprivation is different from mastering control. It’s unlikely you can completely stay off all social media platforms because of the technological advancements in our day. With that in mind, I suggest you learn how to have a healthy relationship with social media even with unrestricted access to it.

I trust this post will help you take steps in the right direction.

How has your relationship with social media been so far?
You can also share other ways you’re building a healthy relationship with social media in the comment section.

Cheers.

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