SOCIAL MEDIA AND DISCONTENTMENT
Does social media lead to discontentment? Can becoming more social online actually steal your Joy? For years I have heard a similar story from various people joining and leaving Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. I would wonder why I no longer saw a person on social media or they would come and go putting their accounts on hold. A similar explanation was given each time by these same people. They simply needed a break from social media due to a feeling of inadequacy and discontentment. I started to notice that no matter who these people were it did not seem to matter, this was an honest and real problem. With social media in all of our hands and everyone's lives displayed in front of us constantly, the comparison game was hard to avoid. Social media, is not the only culprit and this is definitely not a new concept.
Why do people they feel this way?
The constant bombardment of people displaying their children, accomplishments, success, homes, vacations and money was simply too much. Whether they liked it or wanted to admit it, the comparison game would begin within their minds and they would sink into depression. Most of them would recognize the feelings and realize that this is not a healthy place for them to remain. They would close their accounts, place them on hold or simply disconnect from Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to take a break.
Does social media leave you feeling this way?
Do you feel envy, depression or shame at what others display all the time on their profiles? Can I ask you to really be honest with yourself about this right now? There is no shame in the place where you are in your life right now. You do not have to feel any of these things, because you are enough just as you are. You do not need more success, more money, a bigger home or early retirement to make you who you are supposed to be. Keep in mind that much of what you see on social media is often artificial or is at least not exactly what it may seem. Rarely if ever does anyone have a perfect life. I myself am not immune to these feelings and I cannot get away from them as easily as I would like to. I am on social media frequently working with my blog and I can tell you the comparison game is very real and even happens to us as bloggers.
Why does this happen to many people?
So many people chase dreams of more money, better jobs, better homes, better relationships, etc. I do not believe any of these will ever fill that void that you are feeling right now. You must recognize that the happiest and most joyful people do not have everything. They do not lead perfect lives. What they do have is contentment with who they are and where they are in their lives. These people who lead happy, joyful lives do so with gratitude and a thankful attitude. They recognize that life although it may not be perfect is far more than money, success and material things.I discovered this quote and I have to say I agree with what Theodore Roosevelt says here "Comparison Is the Thief of Joy." This is such a true statement in most of our lives, when we allow ourselves to go down this road too far.Let me just remind you right now, that you can choose what you allow yourself to think about and dwell on. Choose wisely today where you will allow your mind to go and what will occupy your thoughts going forward. Choose to be grateful for what you have and possibly disconnect from social media just a little more to enjoy the true blessings in your life.What are your thoughts on this? Do you feel social media has any affect on this area in your own life? Let me know in the comments below or you can email me at savingjoyfully@outlook.com
