Instagram’s pilot project of removing the number of post likes is generating much-needed discussion about social media and its impact on our mental health. Social media platforms are being targeted for fueling a mental health crisis, as studies are showing correlations between higher use and depression, anxiety, and loneliness. However, they can also be powerful tools used for self-expression, connection, and of course, marketing. Much has been written on this topic, so I don’t plan on regurgitating any of it here.
But what is the motivation behind Instagram’s test? According to Adam Mosseri, the decision was made in order to create a “less pressurized environment where people feel comfortable expressing themselves.” The goal is to make Instagram more about the content and less about the likes so that our interaction results in a healthier experience of the app.
I say we can create our own healthier experience of the app.
Sex, money, and social media
Social media has joined the likes of sex and money as one of those contentious subjects that evokes passionate opinions from all sides. And just like sex and money, social media is neither good or bad; it is a neutral. It’s our personal beliefs about it that shape the way we interact with it, which ultimately determines our experience of it. If that’s true- and it is- then I suggest that we reverse-engineer it in such a way that puts the power in our own hands. Here’s how to do that:
1. Take responsibility
First of all, we need to take responsibility for our own experience with social media. We cannot rely on Instagram for managing our mental health when we are at the mercy of its ever-changing algorithms and platform updates. Sure, this current change may be a step in the right direction, but it’s completely out of our control. Regardless of what Instagram or any social media platform does, remember that we define how we engage with it- and if we choose to at all.
2. Embrace the illusion
When we watch movies, we know we’re watching actors reciting a script on a set. We know that hours of post-production and special effects are added to create this perfect product for our consumption. We enjoy it and yet we know it’s an illusion. Social media mimics the same process.
When you’re scrolling through a feed of stunning photos, remember that someone spent time getting the right lighting, angles, and then picking the perfect filters. With the swipe of a finger, blemishes disappear and colours are enhanced to create beautiful and rich photos. There are dozens of photo editing apps that can turn an average image into a masterpiece. Nothing is as it seems. When we’re inside the social media realm, we’ve entered a world of illusion. We should pretend as though we’ve walked into the magical wardrobe into the gates of Narnia.
3. Practice mindful browsing
How many times do we find ourselves mindlessly scrolling out of boredom not realizing where the time went? These are automatic habits and the technology is intended to take advantage of that. It’s up to us to pause and acknowledge that we’re entering a world of illusion, designed to dazzle and captivate us with beautiful filters and perfectly curated content. Mindfulness is about being conscious and aware of what we’re doing. So go forth and explore at your heart’s desire, appreciating it for what it is, but knowing that it is not necessarily reality. Imagine as though Instagram is a virtual art gallery and you’re taking a stroll through to admire the artwork.
4. Get out of victim mode
Classic victim mentality is criticizing others for doing what the app is designed to do and then blaming them for our reactions. If seeing Tony’s beautifully sculpted body makes you feel bad about yourself, that’s not Tony’s fault. If seeing stories of Rachel’s extravagant vacation makes you feel envious, that’s not Rachel’s fault. Tony and Rachel can post and share whatever content they want. Our power is in how we choose to react to it.
Let Tony’s six pack inspire you to get a good exercise and diet regimen in place. Let Rachel’s vacation inspire you to start putting money aside for a trip of your own. When we default to criticizing and blaming, we unwittingly make ourselves the victim and give away our power. So instead of responding with low vibe envy, resentment, and anger, catch yourself and choose a better response.
5. Content audit
It’s always a good idea to take stock of the content we follow. Whether we realize it or not, it shapes how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. If you notice that certain accounts tend to elicit low vibe feelings, and you can’t upgrade your thoughts about it, then simply unfollow. Take a page of Marie Kondo’s book- if it doesn’t spark joy, eliminate it. Considering there are approximately 1 billion monthly active Instagram users, we are blessed with an abundance of choice. So follow accounts that inspire you whether it’s nature photography, inspirational quotes, or hilarious memes. Curate your feed just as you curate your own content. You get to decide what you look at.
6. Have fun
Isn’t it incredible that we have this amazing platform to easily create beautiful images and share them with the world? Your experience is what you make of it. Exploring social media can lead you to finding talented upcoming artists or nascent organizations who are using it as a platform to share their art and messages. Some people even use it to connect with and meet guys. With the recent change, Instagram is hoping that users will be less anxious about a post’s popularity and more focused on the content itself. So have fun with it.
Making good choices
We all have choices in how we interact with our apps. The evidence of social media’s impact on mental health is mounting, so it’s important to have an honest look at our relationship with it. For some of us that means making small adjustments, while for others it may lead to reducing use or eliminating it altogether.
While I applaud the change Instagram has made, I believe we can take our own steps to improve our experience with social media. The power to do so literally lies in our own hands.
