Blog Post #5 – Research Round 3

Hello everyone and welcome back to my blog! Last blog post, we discussed how and why social media has such a huge impact on how we view ourselves and each other, and whether that is in a more positive or negative light/way. We answered this question to figure out how technology has imoacted the way we view ourselves and others. From that blog post, we saw that there some positive things that social media can bring out, but there are more cons than pros, for the most part. In this blog post, we will answer the final su-question, “What can social media influencers do to positively impact the way technology and social media help us view orselves?”

First of all, as discussed previously, social media influencers have a huge impact on others since they have such a big fanbase and can reach people and change their opinions on topics and producst easily. (1) On platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Tiktok, YouTube, etc. influencers share the best of their lives failling to show the downs. Overtime, this can worsen the users (people/society) mental health and they start to view themselves in a negative light since they start to belive that their life isn’t “perfect” or “stable”. (2) This toxicity is caused by social media influencer and there’s a lot that they can do to creat a better online environment.

Social media influencers have the power to shape the online culture and promote a more positive and inclusive environment. Here are some steps they can take to make social media less toxic:

1. Lead by example: Influencers should be mindful of their own behavior and interactions online. They should promote kindness, respect, and empathy in their posts and comments. (6)
2. Choose positivity: Encourage and highlight positive content, stories, and messages. Focus on uplifting and inspiring others rather than promoting negativity or drama and even showing off to an extreme extent.(6)
3. Create meaningful connections: Engage with your followers genuinely. Respond to comments and messages, and create opportunities for open dialogue. Encourage your followers to support and uplift one another. (6)
4. Use technology for good: Utilize your influence to raise awareness about important social issues, promote charitable causes, or support campaigns that bring about positive change. (6)
5. Combat bullying and hate speech: Take a stand against cyberbullying, hate speech, and online harassment. Report and block abusive accounts, and encourage your followers to do the same. (6)
6. Fact-check/promote reliable information: Share accurate and verified information. Dont promote misinformation and fake news, but instead fact-check before sharing any content. (6)
7. Create a safe space: Establish clear guidelines for your online community that promote respect, inclusivity, and tolerance. Moderate comments and discussions to prevent toxic behavior from taking over. (6)
8. Collaborate with like-minded influencers: Join forces with other influencers who share your values and goals. Together, you can amplify positive messages and create a stronger impact. (6)
9. Take breaks and practice self-care: Social media can be overwhelming and contribute to stress and anxiety. SOmetimes, even the biggest celebrities need to take breaks, set boundaries, and prioritize their mental health. Sharing experiences with followers and encouraging them to do the same can be another great way to promote better self-image and mental health. (6)

By taking these steps, social media influencers can help create a more positive and supportive online community, inspiring others to follow their lead and create a more connected community.

That being said, there are also things as an average community that can be done in order to improve society through technology, as an example:

1. Comparing oneself to others: Social media often presents an idealized version of people’s lives, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. Avoid comparing your life, achievements, or appearance to others. Remember that people typically only share their highlights, not the full picture. (7)
2. Excessive time spent on social media: Spending excessive amounts of time scrolling through social media feeds can be bad for mental health. Set limits on your social media usage and prioritize other activities that contribute to your well-being. (4)
3. Seeking validation through likes and comments: Relying on likes, comments, or followers for self-worth can be damaging. Recognize that your value extends beyond social media metrics. Focus on building genuine connections and deriving self-worth from within. (3)
4. Engaging in online conflicts or arguments: Online conflicts can escalate quickly and have a negative impact on mental well-being. Avoid getting involved in heated arguments or engaging with trolls. Opt for constructive conversations and discussions instead. (5)
5. Constantly checking for notifications: The constant need to check for notifications and respond immediately can create anxiety and a sense of being always “on.” Set boundaries and designate specific times to check social media, allowing yourself uninterrupted periods of focus and relaxation.(7)
6. Consuming negative or triggering content: Be mindful of the content you consume. Unfollow accounts that consistently share negative or triggering content. Curate your feed to include uplifting and positive content that aligns with your interests and values. (3)
7. Ignoring your offline life: It’s essential to strike a balance between online and offline activities. Prioritize real-life interactions, hobbies, and self-care. Allocate time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment outside of the digital realm. (4)
8. Fearing missing out (FOMO): The fear of missing out can arise when seeing others’ social media posts about events or experiences. Remember that social media often presents a curated version of reality. Focus on embracing your own unique experiences and appreciating the present moment. (1)
9. Neglecting mental health support: If you’re struggling with mental health issues, social media may not be the best platform for seeking professional help. Instead, prioritize reaching out to licensed therapists, counselors, or support networks that can provide appropriate guidance and assistance. (5)

Remember that everyone’s relationship with social media is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your own needs and feelings, and be proactive in creating a social media experience that supports your mental health and overall well-being.

This wraps up my Inquiry process. Thank you to everyone who has been following along with my blog and I hope you all enjoyed reading my blog posts and learning from them as much as I did writing them. – Perla 🙂

Citations:

1.Robinson, Lawrence. “Social Media and Mental Health.” HelpGuide.Org, 29 Mar. 2023, www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm#:~:text=However%2C%20multiple%20studies%20have%20found,about%20your%20life%20or%20appearance.

2. Macmillan, Rosalie. “Social Media Can Be Toxic – but It Doesn’t Have to Be.” Freedom Matters, 1 Dec. 2021, freedom.to/blog/think-social-media-is-toxic-it-can-be-a-positive-experience/.

3.Graminski, Tom. “8 Tips to Protect Your Mental Health from Toxic Social Media.” MPCP, 26 Jan. 2023, www.mpcp.com/articles/healthy-lifestyle/title8-tips-to-protect-your-mental-health-from-toxic-social-media/#:~:text=Be%20active%20rather%20than%20passive,people%20you%20also%20know%20offline.

4.Croteau, Jeanne. “5 Ways to Tame the Social Media Toxicity in Your Life.” Forbes, 26 Feb. 2018, www.forbes.com/sites/jeannecroteau/2018/02/26/5-ways-to-tame-the-social-media-toxicity-in-your-life/?sh=7fcaa7ba21c4.

5.Norris, Emma. “How to Be More Inclusive with Your Social Media Content.” Plann, 22 Feb. 2023, www.plannthat.com/be-more-inclusive-on-social-media/.

6.Patterson, Mackenzie. “10 Celebrities Using Their Social Media Presence for Good.” Toast, 8 Sept. 2022, mytoastlife.com/10-celebrities-using-their-social-media-presence-for-good/.

7.Marline Francois, LCSW. “How to Stop Comparing Yourself to People on Social Media.” Heartsempowerment, 17 Sept. 2021, www.heartsempowerment.com/single-post/how-to-stop-comparing-yourself-to-people-on-social-media.