Social Media Tanks Self Esteem & Confidence
How Social Media Impacts Self-Esteem and Confidence: Insights from Experts
In today’s world, social media is an ever-present part of our daily lives. Whether it’s scrolling through Instagram, liking posts on Facebook, or watching TikToks, social media platforms offer a constant stream of images, videos, and updates that can shape how we view ourselves and others. While it’s a tool that allows us to connect, learn, and entertain, it also has a dark side that impacts our mental health, especially our self-esteem and confidence. Experts like Larissa Mills, Cognitive Behavioral Sports Specialist have spoken out about these issues and shared valuable insights on how to build resilience in this Phone ERA
The Pressure of Perfection
One of the most obvious ways social media affects self-esteem is through the pressure to appear perfect. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are designed to showcase the best parts of people’s lives—carefully curated photos, perfectly staged moments, and edited videos. As we scroll through these “highlight reels,” it’s easy to forget that what we’re seeing isn’t always an accurate representation of reality.
The culture of perfection on social media can negatively affect self-esteem, especially when people see others constantly achieving and presenting flawless lives. This can make them feel like they don’t measure up. The reality is that social media often highlights only the most polished parts of someone’s life, leaving out the struggles and imperfections that everyone faces. This creates a false narrative of perfection that’s nearly impossible to live up to.
The Comparison Trap
The act of comparing ourselves to others has always existed, but social media amplifies it in a way that’s hard to escape. With the ability to see what everyone else is doing at any given moment, it’s easy to feel like you’re not living up to someone else’s achievements. This constant comparison can cause a drop in self-confidence as we start to measure our worth against someone else’s curated life.
Social media can make it seem like everyone is achieving more, doing more, or living a more glamorous life, but it’s important to focus on internal growth rather than comparing yourself to others. Everyone is on their own journey, and success is about personal growth, not external validation or online comparisons.
The Need for External Validation
Social Media Apps affect self-esteem through the need for external validation. The number of likes, comments, and followers we get on our posts can sometimes feel like a measure of our worth. This reliance on external validation can lead to a cycle of seeking approval from others in order to feel good about ourselves. When the validation is positive, it can boost our confidence, but when it’s lacking, it can have the opposite effect.
Larissa Mills, emphasizes the importance of focusing on internal strength and confidence. She helps individuals build their mental resilience by teaching them that self-worth comes from within, not from the number of likes or comments they receive on social media. Her approach helps people understand that true confidence is rooted in their own values, not in seeking validation from an online audience.
Building Mental Resilience in the Age of Social Media
While social media can undoubtedly affect self-esteem, it doesn’t have to define our confidence. It’s possible to take control of how we engage with these platforms and protect our mental well-being. Insights from Larissa Mills offer valuable guidance on building mental resilience in today’s digital age.
- Limit Time on Social Media: One of the simplest ways to reduce the negative effects of social media is by limiting the amount of time we spend on it. This helps to decrease exposure to comparisons and unrealistic standards.
- Master Resilience and Control: Learn coping mechanisms, learn mental skills, learn how and when to use them.
- Curate Your Feed: Be mindful of who and what you follow. Surround yourself with content that inspires, motivates, and supports you. Unfollow accounts that make you feel less than or stir up negative emotions.
- Practice Gratitude and Self-Reflection: Instead of focusing on what others have or do, focus on your own progress and growth. Reflect on your personal achievements and practice gratitude for what you have. This helps to build confidence from within.
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Set Healthy Boundaries: It’s okay to take breaks from social media when it starts to affect your mental fitness. Disconnecting gives you the space to reset and reconnect with your real-life experiences.
By implementing these strategies, you can start to reclaim your self-esteem and confidence, taking control of your mental health while navigating the world of social media. Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it offers connection, inspiration, and entertainment, it also has the potential to undermine our self-esteem and confidence. Figures like Gianna Savarino, GoldenTouch, and Larissa Mills have shed light on the importance of building mental strength and self-belief in the face of these pressures. By limiting our exposure to negativity, focusing on our internal growth, and remembering that our self-worth isn’t tied to social media validation, we can protect our mental well-being. True confidence comes from knowing and valuing ourselves—something no like or comment can give us.