New research has found using social media can become depressing only when it triggers feelings like envy.
Pictures posted on Instagram by people who may appear to live cooler lives could bring out the jealous monster in you.
However, there are ways to combat your Insta-envy. In a report by the Daily Mail, psychologists Dr Susan Krausse-Whitbourne and James Robinson share four tips that can help you overcome social media envy.
1. Follow Instagrammers that inspire you
"People who tend to look at social media are seeking out either validation or refutation," Dr Krauss-Whitbourne told the Daily Mail. Adding, "Neurotic people who are a little shakey on their sense of identity and even the quality of their face-to-face relationships are more vulnerable to FOMO, jealousy and thinking 'why am I not included in everything?'" Therefore it is imperative to mentally switch to aspiration instead of comparison.
2. Engage with 'real' people
Having a direct line with other people can help combat anxious thoughts and jealous feelings. "Find something with a person you have a close relationship with that gives you that sense warmth and belonging," Dr Krauss-Whitborne told the Daily Mail. Closer relationships helps keep our perceptions of people's online lives more grounded and realistic.
3. Identify those images that make you envious
It is hard for anyone not to compare their own lives to those they view on Instagram. Carefully crafted pages make people seem perfectly adjusted with not a care in the world. "That emotional world is almost more toxic," Robinson told the Daily Mail. Spot what feels toxic for you to eliminate in order to help combat this issue.
4. Find the right balance
"Push back, take a break and ... and do something active that will engage your mind, like hobbies, crafts, physical exercise," suggests Dr Krauss-Whitbourne. Dr Krauss-Whitbourne also suggests limiting your time on Instagram and find the right balance for what can inspire you. "Curate your Instagram feed like you would your diet: seek out the healthy things, even though sometimes it feels good to watch things that maybe aren't totally healthy for you."
