I know that social media is amental healthminefield.
I was the editor-in-chief of a national wellness magazine.
Ive read the studies.
Ive scientificallydebunkedthe idea that the perfect photo is proof of a perfect lifeor even a perfect moment.
Yet, I still fall into the less-than trap myself.
What Ive noticed lately is far more unexpected: Wellness Instagram is making me feel less well.
(If youre wondering, whatiswellness Instagram, its my own little social microcosm.
No, Im not a sparkly star today, thank you very much, Im feeling rather dull.
Particularly when you dont feel like you could crush a flea.
My hair looks great today, does it?
These generic pronouncements are hardly 40-shades-of-Fenty nuanced.
Theyre black and white, and no ones lifeor emotional stateis like that.
Im not just imagining this saturation of cliche.
Very pie-in-the-sky, high-expectations stuff.
I understand the motive, of course.
Why would I need to be out of a job?
Why would you oughta be going through a romantic crisis?
Why would someone need to be dealing with fertility problems?
As she explains, positive emotions are preferred on social media.
Even negative posts are often reframed in positive wayse.g., posts often appear to frame challenges with optimism.
Google the problem with positive thinking and over 432 million links will explain it.
Its dismissive of your feelings.
Beyond just being unhelpful, it can actually be harmful.
Your negative distortions about yourself and the world are amplified by a sense of failure.
As in, Stop saying sayingI cant.
You just choose not to, which I spotted on one feed.
Or: You control how you feel, posted on another.
If only it were that simple!
But its a fundamentally flawed concept, one with an undertone of shame.
Then theres the reality of privilege.
A hundred years ago, nobody thought they controlled their destiny.
Their kids could get sick and die at any moment.
Thats just not as true or as common now.
More jurisdiction over finances and health gave rise to a general cultural shift toward individualism.
Not acknowledging that is actually dangerous in many ways.
This perception that everythings up to us means that if something bad happens, its all your fault.
So stop worrying!?
I wouldntbecause its trite…not to mention unhelpful.
How does this translate when you have thousands or millions of followersmany of whom you know nothing about?
For me, all it takes to turn a stereotypical you are worth more into something meaningful is context.
Theyre thoughtful and genuine.
“Change cannot happen without self-knowledge,” says Raiteri.
“Addressing negative feelings is an effective start to overcoming them.
But she regularly talks about her own obstacles and mental health challenges.
And if you simply cant do without a daily inspo-quote dose, check out@thegoodquote.
Listen to a podcast.
Because a screen is never a substitute for human-to-human interaction, particularly when a catchphrase wont cut it.
