How to Use Social Media to Build Self-Esteem

Like it or not, social media is a part of life, and you may as well use it to your advantage. You can use social media to build self-esteem. You hear of many people avoiding social media altogether because it messes with your confidence. While that can be true, social media does have some value, and there can be benefits from using it in a healthy way and in moderation. In a world when most people are using social media, you can feel disconnected if you don’t use it at all. Additionally, avoidance doesn’t help with self-esteem issues. Instead, you can learn to use social media to build self-esteem.

Don't Let Social Media Hurt Your Self-Esteem

Many people feel down after using social media, and that has to do with how they use it and their thoughts that go with it. For example, comparing themselves to other people or feeling inadequate for not having the life they want, or the life other people seem to have can make them feel down. Some people might worry about the number of "friends" they have online. However, there's more to social media than the number of "friends" you have or comparisons with other people. It can be used for a variety of different purposes.

If social media is hurting you self-esteem, there are probably underlying issues that need to be addressed. It's important to work on the issues that are causing you to feel this way and that includes getting the help you need. Know that you have the option to stop using social media, or take a break from it if it's causing you harm (When to Get Rid of Social Media Relationships). You also have the option to keep on using it and learn to make it work for you.

How to Use Social Media to Build Self-Esteem -- Tips on Making it Work for You

Some helpful ways in which you can use social media to build self-esteem include:

• Education and inspiration -- You can use social media for educational purposes; for example, learning about mental health, self-esteem, personal development or something else that you’re interested in is possible. You can subscribe to/follow topics that you like or use it for inspiration. Know that you have control of what you do and don't follow. For example, too much news can get you down but you can limit the amount of news that you're exposed to. Instead, there are many positive and uplifting sites that you can subscribe to.
• Connection --Social media is a way of connecting with people and the world. While it isn’t the same as face-to-face interaction, it’s better than no interaction. This can be particularly valuable when you’re feeling depressed, isolated, your self-esteem is low or when it's hard to get into the real world. Online connection could be a stepping stone to face-to-face connection.
• Support -- There are many online support groups you can join where you can meet like-minded people and be supported. Social media can help you realise that you're not alone and there are others going through the same issues that you are (When Social Media Relationships are Good for Mental Illness Recovery).
• Distraction -- Social media is something to keep your mind occupied. Reading about a topic you’re interested in is much better than letting your negative thoughts ruminate over and over again.

An important thing to note is moderation. Spending too long on social media can be a problem and it’s important to address that. Overdoing it can interfere with your quality of life and it can prevent you from getting into the real world. Addiction or obsession is not healthy and social media is not a replacement for face-to-face interaction.

In conclusion, social media can be either helpful or harmful, depending on how you use it and the way you respond to it. Ultimately, it's your choice. Social media is very much a part of today's world, and you can learn to use it to your advantage and build self-esteem.

You can find Fay Agathangelou on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest and her website.