I limit my social media usage and here are the reasons why:

If you have ever considered taking a break from endlessly scrolling through social media, research confirmed that it’s a smart choice. Of course, questions continue to arise. How much time is enough to experience the mental health advantages of putting a pause on social media? Especially, when you have a job that revolves around it.

Multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media use and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. As an editor in a Philippine-based digital magazine, I try to limit my social media usage as much as I can. Mainly because it may promote negative experiences.

So, here are a few reasons why I limit my social media usage:

I feel inadequate about my life and appearance.

Even when I know that the images I view on social media are mostly manipulated, I can still make myself feel insecure about how I look or what has happened in my own life. Similarly, I am aware that other people tend to share just the highlights of their lives and rarely the low points that everyone experiences. However, that doesn’t lessen the feelings of envy and dissatisfaction when I scroll through someone’s airbrushed photos or read about the financial achievements they’ve had.

Unfortunately, I have a fear of missing out.

Although my fear of missing out has been around far longer than I’ve had on any platform, the platforms seem to exacerbate feelings that others are living better lives than I do. The idea that I’m missing out on certain things can impact my self-esteem, trigger my anxiety, and fuel greater use. The fear compels me to pick up the phone every few minutes to check updates and compulsively respond to each and every alert.

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I feel isolated and I seem to awaken my depression and anxiety.

Social media usage increases rather than decreases feelings of loneliness. There is a study that reducing social media usage can actually make you feel less lonely and isolated and improve your overall well-being. Human beings need face-to-face contact to be mentally healthy.

Nothing reduces stress and boosts your mood faster or more effectively than contact with someone who cares about you. I realized that the more I prioritize social media interaction over in-person meetings, the more I feel at risk for developing or exacerbating mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Since I work in this industry, I know I don’t need to cut back on my usage that drastically to improve my mental health. However, I understand that I should be mindful of my social media usage. That way, it can be beneficial to my mood and focus.