The Pros And Cons Of Social Media
Social media on the internet has massively pervaded. Millions of people are addicted to it. Who doesn't thank God for the grace that is the internet? Everything is easier, from shopping, to ticketing, accessing information, communicating and so on. In social media, people get to showcase their assets- physical, material, social and intellectual, and it's fantastic. However, there is a downside to the social media hype, as cited by two renowned doctors Greg and Barbara Markway. As a therapist, Dr. Greg Markway has seen many people lament about how sad, unexciting or disadvantaged their lives are in comparison to other people's. You know how it goes in social media wherein people parade pictures of their perfect vacations, perfect houses, perfect relationships and their perfect families. A lot of them love bragging about their latest shopping sprees, or promotion at work and how life is simply fabulous. Listening his clients' depression and discouragements because of what they see in social media, Dr. Markway reminds that they feel that way because they compare how they feel inside to how other people look on the outside.
Social Media and Social Comparison
People who are depressed due to social comparison tend to judge themselves according to their own biased perceptions. How do you see your life? You might be caught up in your frustrations, imperfect families and frozen dinners. By it's very nature, social media pulls people to share snapshots of their good moments. You aren't likely to read about moms posting that they're struggling to pay the bills their kids failed in class. It's the same thing in real life wherein people do not like to share whatever makes them feel vulnerable. Think about it. You have no idea about who sees your social media posts, so you can't be careless and mindless about what you reveal.
Survival Strategy To Fit and Feel Safe
Why do people compare themselves to other people? Seen from an evolutionary perspective, comparison is a survival strategy. As we compare ourselves to other people, we look at our environment to gauge how we fit in. When we do see and feel that we fit in, that makes us feel safe. Those who experience social anxiety actually have very advanced radars wherein they always and can clearly see their areas of vulnerability.
Realistically, however, we have to realize that other people also have pains, problems and vulnerabilities. You never really know, and you might even be surprised to know that someone you envy, envies you, too.
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Jodi and Mike specialize in executive coaching with individuals and teams. http://lighthouse-leadership.com
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