Why do people take social media breaks?

Question

I'm not trying to be funny, I genuinely want to understand why sometimes social media affects someone's mental health.
I've had social media for years and I don't think I've ever been affected by it. I scroll a couple of minutes a day, I see people post memes or pictures of their lives but it's never caused me anxiety or negative feelings. I guess I don't take it too seriously?
A Facebook friend just put down her phone number in case anyone wants to reach her; said she used to be a lot happier before social media so she's going to delete all her socials. 
I'm totally happy with people taking steps toward working on their mental health, but I guess I'm just a bit confused as to how other people's posts can affect a spectators mind. Are they in a dark side of the internet that I don't know about? 
I can't imagine anyone else's life having power over me so I guess I'm just confused.

Answer

Social media opens the door to people commenting rude, inappropriate, hurtful things that they likely wouldn’t say to someone’s face. 
Social media is often a place where some choose to be bullies as they hide behind their keyboard. 
Social media also shows seconds of people’s lives. It can easily make others feel like their lives aren’t as good as these short clips. People forget that social media is more often than not showing the happy “perfect” times and not reality. 
I’m sure I’ve missed some points.
I’m glad that it hasn’t impacted your life negatively. Good for you! 
Maybe more people should have an oblivious bubble about social media like you. Maybe not though. Idk. 
I hope this helps you understand.

Answer

Social media effects everyone differently. Everyone’s brain is wired differently. There are literal studies on the negative impact of social media. There are documentaries. Whether you take it “seriously” or not, it impacts your brain. A lot of people are addicted to it. A lot of people (whether they mean to or not) compare their lives to the perfect lives others paint online. There are so many filters, photo editing apps, etc that distort the way people perceive themselves and others in the real world. It distances a lot of people from reality. You become what you consume, and this goes for content you consume as well. If you don’t understand it, you could literally just look at the studies they’ve done. I don’t think taking a “break” really does any good, unless it’s a permanent break. And I’m not saying it’s “all bad” either. I’m just saying there is plenty negative that comes from social media & some people just become aware of it. In my experience, I was really addicted to it, and it did me no good. I use glow, YouTube & Pinterest. My husband & I have both  been off social media for years. It’s made us more present in each others lives & it’s not something we miss. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I don’t judge people who use it, but it’s not for me.. and I think it’s pretty clear a lot of people these days have a problem with constantly being on their phone instead of living their lives. And that goes beyond social media.

Answer

There are a lot of things on social media that might effect someone mentally. There’s even been studies that show it’s bad for mental health. The people effected negatively by it probably already have existing mental health issues that are just made worse by social media. For some people maybe it’s just the pressure of feeling like you have to present yourself on social media as being perfect and having the perfect life, when that’s not realistic

Answer

I got rid of mine in 2020 and my newsfeeds were all the million and one ways the world was ending. I didnt announce it—just clean cut. I found myself trying to reach the “end” of my newsfeed that didnt have an end and i wanted the answer to how to keep the world from falling apart. 
I reach out to people to via text/call now if i want to connect.

Answer

I cringe a little when people announce social media breaks. But I get it. I tend to not get overwhelmed or triggered by things I see on social media but sometimes I just don’t want to process any additional info. It’s a way of simplifying my life, eliminating one more thing I don’t need to expose myself too. I’ve taken a few social media breaks. For some trivial things and some deeper things.

Answer

I only have Facebook and check it maybe a couple times a week for a min or 2. Im otherwise off social media. I enjoy major updates here and there. But sometimes it gets excessive with people posting their 'perfect lives' and 'perfect relationships' constantly. Example it can seem like everyone else has fancy houses and vacations, new cars, they look amazing, great relationships and kids etc and for some it can can make them feel inferior, left behind, have a void, are lacking in some way etc. It can trigger jealousy, insecurity, or depression. Better to focus on yourself and having real friendships/relationships than to be triggered by social media. I personally hate Facebook lately because 90% of my feed is junk advertisements.

Answer

Is there anything in your life you've ever been overwhelmed by and needed a break from? Surely you can tap into something like that to empathize.

Answer

Many different things. People use it as an escape from their emotions/life so it becomes addictive. They get jealous or envy of others and ruminate on it. too much mental input or stimulation. 
They just want to ground themselves more present moment. It can deplete your dopamine because things like tik Tok are giving constant gratification. Can also mess either attention span. Online bullying or negativity. Religious reasons or to motivate them to do other things with their time.

Answer

My problem with social media is I get disconnected from reality. I will scroll and scroll and scroll and always feel like I need to pick it up and scroll. It takes time away from my kids and self. It’s hard for me to just put it down.

Answer

I think announcing a break to people is weird but not the act of taking a break. I took a break when I was dealing with death in my family because I didn’t wanna see or hear anything about death.

Why do people take social media breaks?

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