How Social Media Affects Anxiety and What You Can Do
- stevenflintlcsw
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
About 1 in 4 teenagers with four or more hours of daily screen time have experienced anxiety symptoms.
If scrolling makes you feel stressed or not good enough, you’re not alone. Social media can be both connecting and isolating, and it often impacts our mental health.
In this post, San Antonio Authentic Counseling, we’ll look at how the internet community affects anxiety and share simple ways to manage it.
The Sneaky Ways Social Media Fuels Anxiety
There is a strong link between anxiety and social media use. It often starts small. You pick up your phone to kill a few minutes, and before you know it, an hour has passed, and your mood has soured.
The effects of social media on anxiety are often subtle, creeping in through a couple of common habits: Comparison culture and doomscrolling.
The Trap of Comparison Culture
Social media is a highlight reel. People post their proudest moments, their most flattering photos, and their biggest accomplishments. It’s rarely the full, messy picture of real life.
When we see this endless parade of perfection, it’s natural to compare it to our own behind-the-scenes reality. This constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and low self-esteem, which are major triggers for anxiety.
You might start to think, “Why isn’t my life like that?” or “I’m falling behind.” This is the heart of what some call social media anxiety disorder.
The Downward Spiral of Doomscrolling
Doomscrolling is the act of endlessly scrolling through bad news, even though that news is making you sad, anxious, or angry.
During uncertain times, it’s easy to get caught in this cycle, looking for information and control. However, this habit floods your brain with negative stimuli, keeping your nervous system on high alert.
It’s a fast track to feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, significantly impacting your social media and emotional well-being.
What You Can Do: Tips for a Healthier Digital Life
The good news is that you have the power to change your relationship with social media. Reducing anxiety caused by social media is possible with a few intentional changes. It’s all about creating balance and being mindful of your digital habits.
Here are some tips for managing anxiety from social media:
Schedule a Digital Detox: Designate specific times—or even a full day—to stay off social media completely. Use this time to connect with people in person, go for a walk, or read a book. A break can help reset your brain and reduce feelings of dependency.
Practice Mindful Usage: When you do use social media, be intentional. Ask yourself why you’re logging on. Are you looking to connect with a friend, or are you just trying to escape boredom? Being mindful can help you avoid mindless scrolling.
Curate Your Feed: You control what you see. Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself. Follow pages that inspire, educate, or make you laugh. Fill your feed with content that genuinely adds value to your life.
Turn Off Notifications: Constant pings and alerts keep you tethered to your phone and create a sense of urgency. Turning off notifications for social media apps allows you to check them on your own terms.
How Therapy Helps You Set Boundaries
If you find it challenging to implement these changes on your own, that's completely normal. This is where professional support can make a huge difference.
Therapy provides a safe space to explore your relationship with social media and develop effective strategies for managing social media and stress.
A therapist at San Antonio Authentic Counseling can help you:
Identify Your Triggers: Understand what specific aspects of social media are causing your anxiety.
Build Self-Esteem: Work on your self-worth outside of likes and follower counts, so your value isn’t tied to online validation.
Develop Healthy Boundaries: Learn how to set firm limits on your online platform use and stick to them, empowering you to take back control of your time and emotional energy.
Discover Real Support, Real Solutions
At San Antonio Authentic Counseling, we take a personal, caring approach to your mental health. Our therapists don’t just offer advice—they listen, connect, and tailor strategies to fit your unique journey.
Whether you’re struggling to set boundaries with social media, seeking expert guidance, or craving community, we’re here every step of the way.
Ready to take charge of your well-being? Join one of our digital wellness workshops or schedule an individual session to get the support you deserve.
Make your next step a positive one. Contact Us Today, and let’s start building a healthier, more balanced future together.
Source:
Comments