Social Media in Your Twenty Somethings

As a twenty-something year old, we live in a time where everything is in a grasp of a click. Grocery shopping can be done from your couch and delivered within hours to your door step. Anything you can think of can be delivered as soon as the next day thanks to Amazon and you can update your friends and family of your life without even a phone call thanks to popular social media platforms, Instagram and Facebook. As a society, we have profited from technology, however it has changed how the whole world operates.

"As a society, we have profited from technology, however it has changed how the whole world operates."

Social media is a huge aspect of society. From MySpace, Tumblr and Facebook to Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok, different generations have consumed their time with different platforms of social media. Instagram, TikTok and Instagram are the most popular amongst Gen Z and Generation Alpha, whereas Facebook and Instagram are more popular amongst Millennials and older generations.

Social media allows people to post whatever they want from wherever they want as long as there is a good signal. Whether it is funny memes or pictures with your friends and family, society uses social media to highlight their best times and rarely do people post themselves at their worst. You only see the best of everyone. Not many people are going to show their struggle with body images or mental health issues. With that being said, social media can be the worst thing to turn to when you are at your lowest of lows when battling with mental illness or self image. Whether you are female, male or non binary, struggling with self image inside and out is inevitable. Social media constantly allows yourself to compare you to everyone else. No matter how many times you tell yourself, “You are only seeing a quarter of their life", it is hard to look at yourself and then look at a social media influencer and feel bad about yourself.

In turn, it can be helpful when you find those that are transparent with their lives and discuss the nitty, gritty parts. The biggest thing that has helped me when on social media is having my feed on any platform, filled with the people I love and influencers that post things that make me feel like a better person. For those that struggle with comparing themselves to others online, finding influencers that do not just show you the perfect is imperative to turning your social media platforms into a safe haven.

The biggest advice I can give to anyone that struggles with comparison is that you need to limit yourself to screen time. The best my mental health has been is when I only limit myself to two hours a day on my phone. Doing this has increased my motivation to do other things instead of just lying-in bed on TikTok or Instagram. While it can be addicting, when you see beautiful people constantly getting attention, if you are insecure, it does no good for self-esteem. Even those that do not struggle with anything, still find themselves constantly comparing to others. Take the time to perfect your social media since it is something that you spend your time on. Below I list men and woman that have curated their social media accounts for good. Follow these people and unfollow the people that are not doing good in your life.

Influencers to follow for mental health:

Nedra Glover Tawwab @nedratawwab

Best selling author, relationship and boundaries expert.

Whitney Goodman @sitwithwhit

Known as a radically honest psychologist.

Michael James Wong @michaeljameswong

Focuses on men's mental and physical health.

Esther Perel @estherperelofficial

Friendship and relationship advice.

Todd Baratz @yourdiagnonsense

He takes a no-nonsense approach on mental health.

Influencers to follow for body positivity:

Stefana @defining.fitness

She is an account I wish I found sooner. All around, what you need.

Lizzo @lizzobeeating

Yes our vocal queen, Lizzo. The best person to follow.

taylor highbloom @tayloroliviafit

Like Stefana, Taylor shares the genuine and raw truth of fitness and being body positive.

Candice Huffine @candicehuffine

She is a founder of inclusive activewear with all body sizes.

Jessamyn Stanley@mynameisjessamyn

Overall, not just body positive but life positive. She is internet's big sister for all.