Social Media is a Highlight Reel

Do you ever catch yourself feeling bad about yourself or your life after looking through your Facebook or Instagram feed?  You’re not alone.  A 2018 study concluded that there is in fact a causal link between the use of social media and negative effects on well-being, primarily depression and loneliness. The study was published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology.  Author Mark Manson spoke about this on ‘The New Man Podcast’ with Tripp Lanier.  Manson said, “We only see the ‘highlight reel” of people’s lives:  this creates a perception of what is ‘normal’.   Also, we feel entitled to feel good all the time.  This leads to the expectation that we’ll have the magazine life and if you don’t have that, you’ll think you’re doing life wrong.  Instead,  just accept the ups and downs of life and you’ll be happier.”  I think it helps to recognize that people often only show the best parts of their lives on social media.  And the reality is, life is much more like a roller coaster ride.  Can you better appreciate the roller coaster:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1h_hmdVJAc