Navigating the emotional landscape of social media can be particularly challenging during the holiday season. In a recent conversation with Parenting Insights, Dr. Rebecca Hart, a clinical psychologist and author of “Logged In and Overwhelmed: Understanding Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health,” shared valuable advice for managing the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies our online interactions during this festive time.
Statistics from the Pew Research Center reveal that 69% of adults and a staggering 86% of young adults in the U.S. are active on social media platforms. While social media showcases snippets of people’s lives, it rarely presents the full picture. Dr. Hart explains, “Upward comparisons occur when we measure ourselves against those we perceive as having a better life. This can lead to feelings of envy, resentment, and a decline in self-worth.” We’ve all experienced that moment of scrolling through a friend’s photo and thinking, “How do they always get their kids to smile? I wish…” or “They just bought a new car; I wish I could do that.” Such thoughts can spiral into a cycle of comparison and discontent.
However, Dr. Hart encourages us to view these negative feelings as chances for personal growth. As we approach the new year, if you’re aiming to cultivate a healthier relationship with social media, consider Dr. Hart’s insights. She emphasizes understanding your attachment style and its influence on your engagement with technology and social media. According to attachment theory, our early relationships shape how we connect with others later in life, including our online interactions. Recognizing this can help establish healthier boundaries with social media.
This is an important lesson to impart to your children, especially during the holidays when they might feel pressured by their peers’ online personas. With friends showcasing new gadgets or trendy sneakers, your child might feel left out. Dr. Hart offers four practical strategies to help kids navigate social media, which parents can also adopt:
- Foster a Realistic View of Social Media: Encourage kids to understand that social media highlights only the positive aspects of life. The messiness and struggles are rarely shared.
- Model Mindful Social Media Usage: Regularly check in with your child about their online experiences. This practice can help identify their emotions and discuss anything troubling they might encounter.
- Encourage Emotional Awareness: Talk about how social media and holiday pressures can affect moods. If you know that a quick scroll through Instagram can lead to a bad day, it might be worth reconsidering those habits.
- Promote Real-Life Interactions: While it might sound outdated, emphasize the importance of spending quality time with friends in person. Dr. Hart notes that nothing beats face-to-face connections, and when in-person meetings aren’t possible, maintaining relationships through calls and texts is crucial.
The dynamics of our relationships with social media are constantly evolving. Taking a social media break during the holidays could be beneficial for your mental health. Instead of getting lost in the endless scroll of Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, focus on being present with your loved ones. Appreciate the real-life moments that matter most, and remember, what you see online is often a curated version of reality.
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In summary, understanding the potential pitfalls of social media during the holidays can help both you and your children maintain a healthier mindset. By fostering realistic perspectives, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing real-life connections, you can enhance your overall holiday experience.