12 ways to improve your relationship with social media in 2023

28 Dec 12 ways to improve your relationship with social media in 2023

Social media has become a ubiquitous part of life, and it can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it allows us to connect with friends and loved ones, share our thoughts and experiences, and stay up to date with the latest news and trends. On the other hand, it can be addictive, distracting, and even harmful if not used wisely. If you want to improve your relationship with social media in 2023, here are 12 ways to get started:

#1 Set limits on your usage.

One of the easiest ways to improve your relationship with social media is to simply use it less. Set limits on the amount of time you spend scrolling through your feed or checking notifications, and stick to those limits as much as possible. You might also consider setting specific times of day when you will not use social media, such as during meal times or before bed.

#2 Be mindful of what you post.

Social media is a public platform, and everything you post is potentially visible to anyone who follows you. Before you hit “post,” think about how what you’re sharing might be perceived by others. Avoid posting negative or controversial content that could offend or upset people, and try to focus on sharing positive, uplifting messages instead.

#3 Take breaks from social media.

It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed or burnt out after spending too much time on social media. If you’re starting to feel this way, it might be time to take a break. Step away from your phone or computer and do something else for a while. You might be surprised at how refreshing it can be to disconnect from social media for a little while.

#4 Use social media to connect, not just to consume.

Social media is a great way to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, but it’s easy to get caught up in consuming content rather than actually interacting with people. Make an effort to engage with others on social media by commenting on their posts, sending messages, or even just “liking” or “sharing” their content. Research shows an active, rather than passive, use of social media is the healthiest approach.

#5 Be selective about who you follow.

Your social media feed is a reflection of the people and organisations you follow. If you’re constantly seeing content that doesn’t interest you or that makes you feel negative, consider unfollowing or muting those accounts. On the other hand, if you’re not seeing enough content from people or organisations that you do care about, consider following more accounts that align with your interests and values.

#6 Don’t compare yourself to others.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others on social media, especially when we see people posting about their seemingly perfect lives. Remember that what people post on social media is often a highly curated and filtered version of reality. Don’t compare yourself to others – instead, focus on your own life and accomplishments.

#7 Be aware of algorithms.

Social media algorithms are designed to show you content that you’re likely to engage with, which means you might not be seeing a diverse range of views or perspectives. Be aware of this when you’re consuming content on social media, and make an effort to seek out diverse viewpoints and sources of information.

#8 Use social media to learn and grow.

Social media can be a great source of information and inspiration if you use it wisely. To improve your relationship with social media, follow accounts that share useful or interesting information, and use social media as a tool to learn and grow.

#9 Protect your privacy.

It’s important to be mindful of your privacy when using social media. Be selective about what personal information you share online, and consider using the privacy settings on your social media accounts to control who can see your content.

#10 Seek out positive communities.

The communities you are part of can have a big impact on your social media experience. Seek out accounts that inspire, educate, or bring joy to your feed.

#11 Be cautious about oversharing.

While it’s important to be authentic, it’s also important to be mindful of what you share on social media. Consider whether you’re comfortable with a wide audience seeing the information you’re posting and whether it could potentially have negative consequences in the future.

#12 Use social media for good.

Instead of using social media to just pass the time or mindlessly scroll through your feed, try to use it for good. Share positive messages, engage with content that promotes social justice and raises awareness of causes you want to shine a light on.