Welcome to the Home Insemination Kit advice column, where our team of “experts” tackles your questions about life, relationships, self-image, parenting, and everything else that can be perplexing.
This week, we explore the question: Is social media contributing to your feelings of depression in 2020? Should you just delete all your apps and toss your phone out the window, or is there a healthier way to approach it?
Dear Home Insemination Kit,
I’ve always enjoyed social media for fun, work, and keeping up with everything from news to someone’s latest pet. But this year — and honestly, the last several years — it feels like social media has turned into a dark abyss. While there is certainly an uptick in political posts and opinions, that’s not what’s really bothering me. What’s challenging is seeing people I once respected or thought were normal, happy individuals share an endless stream of conspiracy theories, propaganda, divisive rhetoric, and blatant misinformation. They get incredibly defensive when corrected, too. This includes family members and friends I’ve known forever.
It’s also tough to watch people flaunting large gatherings and parties as if everything is normal, especially since my family is opting out of such activities to stay safe. Should I just delete all my social media accounts and become a recluse?
Research indicates a strong connection between social media use and anxiety and depression, and 2020 has only intensified this effect. Particularly during the pandemic, heavy social media consumption has been linked to symptoms of depression and secondary trauma, as highlighted in a study by Pennsylvania State University and Jinan University in China.
The findings revealed that many people turned to social media for health news during the crisis. Between late March and early May, 46% to 51% of American adults reported increased social media usage. This uptick impacted both those already battling mental health issues and those who had never experienced such challenges. Over half of the participants, who had no prior history of trauma or depression, reported experiencing some degree of depression. Almost 20% noted moderate to severe depressive symptoms, while just over 20% reported moderate to severe levels of secondary trauma, arising from hearing about others’ traumatic experiences.
In essence, it’s a tough environment out there. Although we often turn to social media to connect, this can backfire, especially when beloved family members share outrageous conspiracy theories or when childhood friends post about maskless pool parties. I sometimes feel like deleting every app that doesn’t spark joy and never looking back, but I know that would likely jeopardize my job and leave me out of the loop.
If you’re considering a temporary break from social media, go ahead. If that doesn’t feel sustainable, setting boundaries might be the next step. You can control who sees your updates and who has access to your life. From snoozing and unfollowing to unfriending and blocking, you have the power to curate your online experience, which can help alleviate anxiety.
2020 has given us plenty of reasons to feel disheartened and disappointed in others. It’s sometimes helpful to distance yourself from those sharing harmful rhetoric. You also have the ability to choose what you want to see and who sees your posts. Remember, it’s okay to take charge of your social media presence.
For more insights, check out this related post on home insemination and explore expert resources on intrauterine insemination to better understand your options.
Search Queries:
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- How to take a break from social media
Summary:
Social media has increasingly become a source of anxiety and depression, especially during the tumultuous year of 2020. With many individuals sharing harmful misinformation and engaging in irresponsible behavior, it can be overwhelming for those trying to maintain their mental health. While some may consider deleting their accounts entirely, setting boundaries can provide a healthier way to navigate social media. Remember, you have control over your online experience and can curate the content you engage with.