One day, I randomly noticed how each social media platform had introduced its version of reels—Snapchat, YouTube, and even LinkedIn. To my surprise, I’d been living under a rock! These reels were gaining huge engagement, becoming central to how we consume content. As soon as I discovered them, I felt overwhelmed.
Scrolling through, there’s an endless variety designed to trigger different emotions—one moment you’re smiling at a cute puppy, and the next you’re faced with the harsh realities of the world. But what happens to all those emotions after the 30 seconds are over?
No doubt, reels can serve as a "quick fix" or distraction from our anxiety or overwhelming emotions, making us feel better at the moment. But is it really helpful?
This is what happens to those emotions:
How many humans do we consider actual humans—with breath, limbs, brains, emotions, and needs—when we’re scrolling through so many on the reels? It desensitizes us to the people we see, making us less empathetic. This is clearly visible in the comment sections.
It can lead to emotional fatigue, making it harder to regulate emotions in both the short and long term. We might think, “If I feel sad after watching a 15-second clip, it’s not valid. Let’s just dismiss it.” Dismissing emotions becomes the norm.
Avoidance becomes the go-to strategy for dealing with anxiety because it’s so convenient. It feels okay in the short term, but it can cause bigger problems later.
Constantly watching others on reels makes it easy to project our own insecurities and beliefs onto random strangers. This deflects the attention we need for ourselves.
The interesting thing is, no matter how amazing or terrible your viewpoint is, you can always find someone to validate or invalidate you. Where is the accountability? Where are the boundaries? What’s stopping this behavior from leaking into the real world with real people?
Now, I’m not saying you should stop using social media altogether. We need to stay connected. But with these effects in mind, how do we maintain our well-being?
Be clear about why you’re using social media. It could be for entertainment, staying updated, or finding inspiration. The best part? You can use different platforms for different purposes.
Train your algorithm to show you content that aligns with the emotional state you want to cultivate. This way, you can actually sit with those emotions.
Find healthier coping mechanisms. Social media can serve many purposes, but it’s not the best tool for coping. Explore helpful alternatives based on your needs.
Set a timer while scrolling through reels to avoid overconsumption. Use the timer as a reminder to reflect on how you’re feeling. Is there something you’re avoiding?
Social media, like money, isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s what we make of it. It has become a crucial aspect of our wellness that we need to focus on.
The power is in your hands. How will you make social media work for you?
