These days, almost all of us are on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter — sometimes all at once. For parents, we stay online to keep track of the kids. For wives, it’s a way to find inspiration or relax. For young professionals, it’s often part of work and networking.
But sometimes, without realizing it, our mental health starts to take the hit. Sound familiar? Let’s talk about whether social media is really helping us — or harming us — and how we can use it more mindfully.
- The Pressure of Curated Reality
One of the biggest challenges of social media is curated reality.
We often only share the highlights — the happy family photos in matching outfits, the new gadget, the vacation shots. But behind the scenes, there are struggles, exhaustion, and even conflicts that never make it to the feed.
Example:
Maricel, a working mom in Cavite, often feels inadequate when she sees her old classmates posting about new cars or trips abroad. She wonders, “Why can they do it, and I can’t?”
Tips:
✅ Social media is a highlight reel. It doesn’t mean their lives are better than yours.
✅ If you notice you’re starting to compare yourself, take a break from scrolling.
✅ Practice gratitude. Every day, write down three things you’re thankful for, no matter how small — free coffee, a good night’s sleep, or time with your family.
- Doomscrolling and Overwhelm
For many young professionals, doomscrolling has become a bad habit that triggers stress and anxiety. This is when you keep reading negative news — floods, crime, politics, economic worries — and before you know it, two hours have passed and you feel drained.
Example:
James, a marketing officer, reads the news every night until the early morning. He didn’t realize how much anxiety it was causing him until he started struggling to sleep and focus on work.
Tips:
✅ Limit your news reading — maybe once or twice a day, preferably in the morning.
✅ Follow positive and inspiring pages that share hopeful stories.
✅ Create a wind-down routine at night — journaling, light reading, or prayer.
- Digital Detox for Busy Moms and Professionals
I know it’s hard to put your phone down, especially if you’re earning online or staying connected to family. But even a short digital detox can do wonders for your mind.
Example:
Rina, an online seller and mom of two toddlers, sets No Phone Sundays. She says her family feels more connected when there are no gadgets around.
Tips:
✅ Set phone-free zones — no phone at the dining table or in the bedroom.
✅ Use apps or built-in phone settings to limit screen time.
✅ Let your team or family know when you’ll be offline so they can respect your boundaries.
- The Positive Side of Social Media
Not everything about social media is negative. There are plenty of benefits if you use it mindfully.
Examples:
✅ Parenting groups where moms share tips and offer support.
✅ Videos that teach recipes, budgeting, and other life skills.
✅ A way to connect with loved ones who live far away.
Tips:
✅ Curate your feed. Follow accounts that are positive and inspiring, not toxic.
✅ Use social media purposefully — don’t just scroll aimlessly.
✅ Remember, social media should serve you, not consume you.
Final Thoughts
So, is social media helpful or harmful? It really depends on how you use it.
Be mindful of how much time you spend online and what content you consume. Take care of your mental health while enjoying the good things technology has to offer. And remember — you are not alone in this journey.
If you’d like more tips about healthy social media habits, feel free to message us or follow our page. Take care of yourself — as a parent, a spouse, and a professional.
Thanks for reading! ❤️