How to Have a Healthy Relationship with Social Media

·22 min·2 clips

A viewer's request sparks an episode on loving yourself by tackling social media addiction and its negative effects.

The episode begins with the host explaining it was inspired by a viewer request and ties into a monthly theme of love. She shares her own struggle with social media as a small business owner, noting a recent success in not using her iPad during a dinner out. Statistics from brandwatch.com are cited, revealing that U.S. adults spend over an hour daily on digital video and that social media usage totals five years and four months on average. The host expresses personal dismay at this figure. She discusses the addictive nature of social media, referencing a study from Nottingham Trent University that identifies addiction criteria like neglect of personal life and escapism. Instagram's manipulation of likes to keep users engaged is highlighted. Research links social media use to increased social isolation and sadness, with a study from the University of Missouri showing Facebook envy can lead to depression. The host describes a cycle of jealousy where users post to induce envy in others. She explains forecasting errors where users return to social media expecting relief but feel worse. Benefits of unplugging are outlined, including being more present, authentic, and reducing stress. Practical advice is given: delete apps, turn off notifications, set timers, and use tools like Self-Control. The host recommends editing posts ruthlessly and taking breaks, starting with a few hours. She suggests replacing social media with activities like meditation or volunteering. For business owners, she advises using schedulers like Hootsuite to limit time spent and focus on effective platforms. The episode concludes with action steps like tracking time spent and observing emotional responses to social media.

As heard by us

A warm nudge to put the screen down and notice who is already there.

Social media is framed as a question of love: whether affection for oneself and the people nearby can get crowded out by likes, posts, and constant connection.

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Why you'd press play

Want social media to stop stealing the room from the people and moments already in front of you?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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