Don't Let Social Media Affect Your Self Worth

Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of Silver and Sensational! I’m Lois Mills, and I’m so glad you’re here today. I hope everyone has had a glorious week. Today, I want to dive into a topic that is incredibly relevant for all of us—how social media affects our self-worth.

Lois in a field on her phone. — Stop comparing yourself!

My Experience with Jealousy

Let me tell you about something that happened recently. I was scrolling through my social media feed, and I came across a post by a fellow blogger. She had just posted a video that went viral, and she was getting all sorts of praise and attention. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. Why wasn’t it me? Why wasn’t my content getting that kind of attention?

This feeling of jealousy is something many of us can relate to. It’s easy to compare ourselves to others, especially on social media where everyone’s successes are on full display. This constant comparison can start to impact our self-worth.

The Evolution of Social Media

If we go back 20 years, we didn’t have Facebook and Instagram. We could all be big fish in little ponds. Now, we find that we are little fish in big ponds. If you think you are the very best creative, let me tell you, there’s someone out there who is better, more creative, and getting more attention.

Why Does It Bother Us?

So, why do we let people on social media get under our skin? The answer lies in our need for validation and approval. We are social creatures by nature, and we crave positive reinforcement. When we don’t receive it or, worse, when we receive negative feedback, it can be disheartening.

Strategies for Maintaining Self-Worth

Here are a few strategies I’ve found helpful in maintaining self-worth in the face of social media criticism and jealousy:

Limit Your Exposure: You don’t need to read every comment. Protect your mental space by limiting how much time you spend reading feedback.
Focus on Constructive Criticism: Not all criticism is bad. Learn to differentiate between constructive criticism, which can help you grow, and negative, unproductive comments.
Build a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. A strong support system can help buffer against negativity.
Self-Validation: Learn to validate yourself. Remind yourself of your strengths and achievements. Your self-worth shouldn’t depend on the opinions of others.
Take Breaks: Sometimes, a break from social media can do wonders. It’s okay to step back and take some time for yourself.

Thriving in a Digital World

Remember, it’s not about how many likes or positive comments you get; it’s about being true to yourself and your passions. Keep sharing your creativity and your journey. There will always be critics, but there will also always be supporters who appreciate and love what you do. Don’t let social media affect your self-worth.

Conclusion

How social media affects our self-worth is a crucial aspect of navigating the digital age. By focusing on the positive, surrounding ourselves with supportive people, and validating ourselves, we can maintain our self-worth and confidence in the face of social media challenges.

For more on this topic and to see the full discussion, watch our latest video where I dive deeper into handling social media criticism and share more personal stories and insights. Click here to watch the video!