Social media is not just about connecting with people. It is about projecting our image as not how we are, but how we want others to perceive us.
From job prospects to social life prospects, everything hinges on sites like Instagram that churns out content in an endless loop, and we have become hooked to this content.
We follow people we know, and do not know on these sites, looking into the mundane and the important aspects of their lives, in a rather unrealistic fashion. What was previously perceived as being voyeuristic, now has become normal.
And this new normal has taken a great toll on us, and our mental health. Alongside the obvious risk of social media addiction, that then requires help from experts whom you can consult via oladoc.com, mindless consumption of Instagram and content people you post has a grave impact on your happiness, and hence life. It has already been linked to higher stress and depression levels as well.
Taking a stock of who you follow
Considering the stakes, it is hence important that you do a social media cleanse, for which you need to make the important decision of unfollowing people.
People you are following is not a decision that you should make light of; it has direct implications for your health. It is especially important for those people who cannot part with their Instagram profile, so the only viable option left is unfollowing those who are disturbing your mental peace
People you should be unfollowing
It is not necessarily the people who may be toxic, but a lot hinges on how you respond to their profile. Unfollow people who are:
Making you more anxious
There are many people who think the glass is half empty, and cheer for them. You cannot expect people to be happy and hopeful all the time, but it is indeed alarming if they are spreading their jaded disposition to others.
If you follow someone who is constantly talking about hate and simply highlighting the bad that is going on in this world, you need to unfollow them right now. It is one thing to be aware of the problems that exist in this world, it is another to fixate on them and not consider the positives.
Moreover, sometimes, it is not the people spreading anxiety, but your own reaction to them. It is even more profound when you are struggling and not secure in your life, and you see people, especially your peers, getting to places.
Not only do you need to moderate your response better, but you also need to unfollow anything that is increasing your anxiety.
Make you feel the need to be perfect
Let your friends go all Martha Stewart in their homes and lives, but you do not have to live up to their standards. If your friends are making you feel as if what you have is imperfect, and you need to get it more together like them, then perhaps part your ways.
Making you feel ugly
Instagram is all about visuals, and how you appear to the world. The constant need to look pretty, defined by the flawed standards so fallacious to being with, can also get to you. The existence of filters is no coincidence; they are designed so that you use them to feel more pretty, whatever that means, considering each and every one of us is born beautiful.
However, this concept may be hard to accept, and so Instagram may be heightening your insecurity in your looks.
Make you feel more inadequate
If any of the social media profiles are making you feel inept, are adding to your stress and are making you less happy with your life, then you must unfollow them. If your feelings do not subside, consider getting help from the Psychologist in Lahore.