Category
🛠️
LifestyleTranscript
00:00Social media is like the drive-through window of social connection. It is fast, it is easy,
00:06it is always available, and it seems to feed us. But it doesn't truly nourish us. It depends on
00:12the intent of the way you use social media. Studies have shown that it can decrease loneliness
00:19when you're using social media for its intended purpose, to follow other individuals in your life,
00:25to stay up to date, instead of using social media in lieu of in-person connection, validation,
00:33or seeking reward and sense of community that you can't find in person. For many people, it is a
00:41lifeline, particularly those who have difficulty connecting in person. For those who struggle with
00:46social anxiety, are geographically isolated, have a disability, this provides an avenue to connect.
00:54The power of online communities is the accessibility and the specificity. We can find our tribe at two
01:01in the morning, whether you are a new parent, a grieving spouse, looking for information about
01:07French cinema, whatever it may be. We find a community that is much different than who we would
01:14stumble upon in our neighborhood. We can find like-minded people that help us to feel known,
01:20seen, and share a common interest. Studies have shown that when individuals spend a significant
01:27amount of time online, it leaves them at risk for anxiety and depression. We see the highlight reel,
01:34and that highlight reel gives us 24-7 access to the 5% of their best moments throughout the day.
01:43The vacations, the parties, filtered faces, all of the above. When this happens, it starts to chip
01:51away at our self-esteem. It sets a bar that is unrealistic and dangerous. We get to know who we
01:57are through connecting and looking at those around us. When that bar is set high or unrealistically,
02:06we start to question ourselves and our self-esteem. Comparison is the thief of joy, and social media
02:14leaves that thief open 24-7.