Why Quitting Social Media May Not Make You Happier

American happiness is at an all-time low with only 38 percent of Americans reporting they’re satisfied. That number has dropped by 10 percent over the past two years. 

There are many factors that play into that; however one thing that always gets a bad reputation is social media. Many people talk about quitting social media to improve your happiness, but does the bad actually outweigh the good? 

Will it make you happier? Keep reading to find out why the benefits of social media might be worth keeping. 

The Drawbacks of Social Media

We want to be fair; there are some drawbacks to social media. These can contribute to unhappiness, and it’s important that we address them as well as the benefits. 

Understanding what might be killing your happiness can help you take the appropriate steps to reduce it. 

The Comparison 

Around 10 percent of our thoughts involve comparison of some type. We compare ourselves to others a lot, and often we use that comparison to determine our social and personal worth.

Comparison isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it can motivate us to do more and be more; however there’s an unhealthy side to it as well. Too much comparison can lead to eating disorders, dissatisfaction, guilt, and more. 

When we’re on social media, we see what people want the world to see. No one is going to intentionally paint themselves in a bad light.

That makes social media a dangerous place to make those comparisons. You see posts from people you follow and assume they lead perfect lives because you’re only seeing what they want you to see. 

It’s extremely important to remember that if you’re prone to comparing yourself to others when using social media.

Social Media Addiction 

Excessive use of social media can cause unhappiness. Typically, the use of social media isn’t a problem. However, for five to ten percent of the population, it is an addiction. 

If you’re struggling with a social media addiction, it’s important to address it. Excessive time spent on social media can leave you feeling frustrated and unproductive. 

Even if your social media use doesn’t rise to the level of addiction, it’s important to consider how much time you’re spending on social media. That doesn’t mean you need to cut it out entirely; simply set time limits and find ways to enforce them. 

Negative People 

Online people will say and do many things that they would never say or do in real life. Extremely negative and toxic people can have an impact on your mood. 

The people you surround yourself with are important in real life and online. If you’re struggling with negative people on social media, block them and remove their comments. 

Don’t allow yourself to engage in the war and fight them. They’re looking for a reaction; avoid giving them that power. 

Social Media Benefits

The bad side of social media can feel pretty daunting. However, for every bad part of social media, there’s also a positive aspect. 

Because of the benefits of social media, deleting all your profiles might not be worth it. 

Stay Connected

One benefit of social media platforms emphasized during the lockdown is the ability to stay connected. When you’re miles from your family and friends or can’t see them because of restrictions, social media allows you to stay connected. 

You can share things that encourage you, pictures of the fam, and other things. When you do, your family and friends can feel like they’re still connected because they get a little glimpse into your life. 

The Fun

Social media is fun, it’s why it’s so easy to get lost in TikTok for hours at a time. You can watch people make fools of themselves, adorable animals, cute kids, and comedians with the click of a button. 

When you’re feeling bad, it only takes a few seconds to find a video that can cheer you up and make you laugh. In fact, watching a funny video that makes you laugh can improve your mood, and for students, it can be a motivator, according to research. 

The Positive People

For every negative person you find online, you’ll also find a positive person. If your social media is full of negative people, it’s time to move away from the dark side and move toward the light. 

Are you struggling with body image because of negative people online? TikTok stars like JAX can leave you feeling great in moments with their positivity. 

If you’re having a bad day, find the people that post encouraging and positive content. They’re out there and can help increase your happiness. 

Doing Good

Social media is a powerful tool for change and doing good. On Facebook, you can run fundraisers for your favorite non-profits. 

However, social media also gives you a voice. If you’re looking to support people, you can do it by raising awareness, running fundraisers, or simply sharing an encouraging word. 

Friendships

Let’s be honest; as adults making friends can be challenging. Social media platforms give you the opportunity to connect with people you may have never met. 

You can build friendships with people from all over the world and have people to lean on when you need support. 

Authentic Support

Have you ever had a moment that was a struggle and not had someone to talk to? Authenticity is important, and sometimes that means using your social media to share that you had a bad day or something bad happened. 

There are two benefits to doing this. The first is that you can receive authentic support from people who care about you. Sometimes you need a shoulder to cry on, and that’s okay. 

It’s also okay that sometimes that shoulder might come in the form of a digital friend. The second benefit of being authentic is it lets the people around you know that they’re not alone. 

Quitting Social Media Isn’t the Answer

Yes, social media has some drawbacks, and some factors can contribute to unhappiness. However, often the good outweighs the bad when it comes to social media.

Quitting social media isn’t the answer. Instead, many times it’s about setting boundaries and enforcing them. 

Are you looking for ways to improve your happiness? Learn how to start enjoying life by reading more articles in our Happiness section.