WHAT IS HAPPINESS?
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can help define what exactly you need in life to be happy by giving it in a pyramid structure. Through it, you can help define, yourself, what you need to be happy; social media, unfortunately, can make it harder to achieve anything past the middle level -- that is, human connectedness.
Let's talk about it-- but first, what are the bad effects of social media? What's keeping us from being happy when we are online?
Sad Facts about Social Media
According to PEW Research, "64% of Americans say social media have a mostly negative effect on the way things are going in the U.S. today." Furthermore, 10% of Americans qualify for social media addiction-- a number that is only rising.
People are becoming exposed to lies on the internet that put them in depressive states; they see an idealized version of the lives of others, or a malicious version of the world at large.
Happy Facts about Social Media
81% of teens say social media makes them feel more connected to what’s going on in their friends’ lives. 71% say that social media makes them feel more included and confident.
Social media has the power to make the world a better place. 98% of nonprofit organizations have a Facebook presence, and 72% are establishing themselves on Twitter.
But social media can take you away from the happy side of social media...
By age 12, 50 percent of young people in the United States use at least one social media platform. That means at least half of all youth are on social media and susceptible to both its positive and negative effects.
Getting happy with your phone can be easy! Here are three easy ways to use social media constructively:
1. Connect with loved ones. Social media is a great way to stay in touch with your friends and family, whether they live nearby or across the globe. Use your social media channels to reach out and see how your loved ones are doing, share personal stories and photos and remind you of the important people in your life.
2. Follow and share inspiring stories. Follow and share inspiring stories that make you feel confident and positive about your life. If a friend or influencer is sharing negative content that makes you anxious, sad or insecure, remove that person from your news feed.
3. Create a balance. Create a balance between using social media and focusing on what’s in front of you. Take time to connect with your loved ones not only through technology, but also through face-to-face interactions. This will help you be mindful of what’s real and most important to you.
However, spending too much time on social media applications can become a danger to your physical and mental health. What if there was a way to stay happy AND connected to your loved ones?
Happiness can be found in various forms without social media nearby! These 4 strategies will help you to stay connected and stay happy:
1. Engage with family and friends face to face. Spending time with your family and friends in face to face communication is often more beneficial to remain connected. Being in physical contact with your loved ones allows us to form better bonds and get a better understanding in communication.
2. Pick up a hobby. A large issue regarding social media is physical inactivity. To combat this problem, performing a hobby or sport would help you to connect with those around you while also carrying out your interests.
3. Volunteer in your community. Giving back provokes a sense of fulfillment in those that volunteer. It is a great way to feel connected to your community all while feeling good about yourself.
4. Indulge in self-care. Self-care is very important in order to feel happy. It may not involve connecting with others, but it is important to prioritize your wants and needs to be content. Taking care of yourself will result in satisfaction and boosted confidence.
Credits:
Created with images by A_B_C - "Businesswoman with smartphone using application for calling taxi online walking on city street night, female hands with internet connection texting friend via mobile phone on background bokeh light" • BillionPhotos.com - "Joy." • A_B_C - "Bloggers touch screen smartphone light night city, girls using in hands mobile phone closeup, online wi-fi internet, woman texting text message" • tippapatt - "Man using smart phone" • Jacob Lund - "Businesswoman using cell phone" • Prostock-studio - "Gadget addiction. College friends with smartphones, orange wall" • loreanto - "Group of five friends having fun at the park - Millennials dancing in a meadow among confetti thrown in the air - Day of freedom and carefree"