Cons and Pros of Social Media

Cons and Pros of Social Media

As you are well aware, I love social media because it is just that... social.  I am a stay-at-home mom and it is a way for me to interact with people out there on the world wide web.  I watch posts that give me great ideas for fitness (Scott Fournier; Fit Mums Motivation), make me laugh (F***K Jerry, Girls Think I'm Funny), some fashion and yes, pet accounts.  I post professionally for +Bergo Designs both on Facebook and Instagram:  Bergo Designs.  I also tutor individuals on social media.  

But for people struggling/living with eating disorders, social media often is a scary place that not only perpetuates the illness but makes the suffering all the more painful.

Social Media: The Dark Side:

People struggling/living with eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours are often already struggling with life stages such as: work, school, family, relationships, as well how they feel they look.  Living in this inner-world, comparing themselves to those seemingly more successful, continues the inner struggle of low self-esteem and perpetuates feelings of shame (www.thedailybeast.com “Social Media and Eating Disorders). 

Scrolling and searching through social media pages can bring up feelings of envy.  People post perfect photos of themselves to the world regarding work (achievements, employment status), school (how many friends, parties, awards), family (happy family photos, vacation, big family gatherings), and looks (fashion, pout, smile, happy silly face, physical achievement).

We judge our own life by comparing where we are to where ‘they’ are and what we feel is ‘better’.  This can often lower self-esteem if the person scrolling is having difficulty in any of those situations.

There are also sites that assist people in perpetuating their eating disorders with ‘pro-anna’, ‘thinspirational’ and ‘fitspirational quotes’, encouraging photos, tips, and reminders.  There are impossible physical challenges: thigh gap, bikini bridge, arm wrap, or the paper challenge.


THIS IS NOT THE SOCIAL MEDIA I WANT FOR THE WORLD!!!

Social Media: The Bright Side:

To put it bluntly, we are in charge of our own social media.  We can control what we post, who we follow, what we share, and who we interact with.  We can add friends and block people.

The truth is we are all addicted either to FOMO (fear of missing out) or to the sense of looking for compliments and images that make us feel good.

If the real world is logged on, we need to be too so that we don’t miss out on events but we must surround ourselves with real friends and family of choice who affirm our struggles and self-worth, who make us feel good.

When we get positive comments, likes and shares, they boost our self-esteem (think of Shirley MacLean’s Academy Award Speech:  You like me, you really like me!)

Likes and Shares create a positive social interaction between us and our followers.  According to an Instyle study of 1,000 people aged 18-49 there is a domino effect.  Once you give a compliment, it is more likely someone else will too (www.instyle.com “Feeling Beautiful?  InStyle study finds social media actually helps our self-esteem).  So while you are looking at your real friends, be free with your likes and positive kudos!!

More and more campaigns are gaining momentum #likeagirl and #nofilterproject and more platforms are banning #thinspiration #thinspro as well as discounting unrealistic physical challenges.

Surround yourself in positive affirmations, pictures, fun videos and loving friendships and family.

Follow Doctor Nora or Hello Giggles

           

Social media should be that, social.


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My website is www.jennxsocialmedia.com if you have any social media questions or need social media support.

Have a great day and have fun!