I’m tired of the constant flow of negative news on TV, radio, and social media, aren’t you? It’s time to transform our social media feed, break free from the clutches of doomscrolling, and reclaim mental well-being! Let’s understand what it is and how it affects our mental health. Then use my three tips to retrain your social media algorithm for a more positive online experience. 😊
🔍 What is Doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling refers to the habit of endlessly scrolling through social media feeds, seeking out negative or distressing content. It’s a phenomenon where we get trapped in a cycle of consuming information that heightens our anxiety, fuels negativity, and leaves us feeling emotionally drained. Since social feeds are customized based on previous use, the more negative content you interact with, the more you’re given. Clicking, watching, sharing or just pausing on content signals your interest for more.
Doomscrolling is an Anxiety Amplifier:
A study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 64% of Americans who use social media platforms believe that the constant exposure to negative news increases their anxiety levels. The relentless flow of distressing information can contribute to heightened stress, worry, and a general sense of unease.
How Does It Damage Mental Health?
Doomscrolling can have detrimental effects on our mental well-being. Constant exposure to distressing news and negative content can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and even depression. It creates a never-ending loop of negative thoughts, making it difficult to focus on the positive aspects of life.
💡 3 WAYS TO TRANSFORM YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FEED:
1️⃣ Time to Re-evaluate: Take a step back and assess your social media usage. Identify the accounts or topics that contribute to your doomscrolling habit. Unfollow or mute those sources and people that consistently provide negative content, and instead, choose accounts that inspire, educate, or entertain you.
2️⃣ Create a Positive Feed: Click on only positive, fun content for one week. Fill your social media feed with uplifting and informative content around travel, food, comedy, innovation, cute animals, whatever brings you joy. Follow accounts that share inspiring stories or provide educational resources. Curate a feed that brings a smile to your face and motivates you to make a positive impact.
3️⃣ Engage with Joyful Communities: Seek out online communities that share your interests and values. Engage in discussions that are optimistic, informative, and fun. Join groups or participate in conversations that spark joy, spread positivity, and help you connect with like-minded individuals.
Remember, your mental health matters! By taking control of your social media experience, you can break free from the doom scrolling cycle and create a more positive and uplifting online environment for yourself. Let’s focus on the bright side of life and spread positivity across the digital landscape! 🌟
💡BONUS!!! – THREE TIPS RETRAIN YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ALGORITHM
1️⃣TikTok:
Clear Your Interests: Start by clearing your TikTok interests. Go to your profile, click on the three dots (…) in the top right corner, and select “Privacy and Settings.” Under “Comment and Watch History,” select “Watch History ” to select one or all of the videos to delete. This will remove any personalized recommendations based on your previous interactions.
2️⃣YouTube:
Clear Watch History: Click on your YouTube account image in the top-right corner. Go to settings and select “Manage All History.” Under “History,” click on “Delete History” to remove all the videos you’ve previously watched. This will reset your viewing history and prevent it from influencing future recommendations.
3️⃣Facebook:
Adjust Your News Feed Preferences: Click on your Facebook account image top-right corner. You’re now on your Facebook homepage. click on the circular image to the right of the word “menu” to enetr privacy settings. Select “News Feed Preferences.” Explore the options available, such as “Prioritize who to see first” and “Unfollow people to hide their posts.” Customize your preferences by selecting the accounts and pages you want to prioritize or unfollow to refine your feed.
#DoomScrolling #PositiveVibesOnly #SocialMediaWellbeing #SocialMedia #MentalHealth
