“Living” Online: 5 Social Media Habits to Prioritize Your Mental Health

Do you live online? If you own even one digital device, it can be easy to be sucked into the world of social media. Relentless news stories, constant updates, and ads offer a digital world that never sleeps.

In the digital age, where everything is connected, why is it often that we feel even more alone? Chances are, the unlimited and unfiltered access we have to the entire world reminds us of just how small one person is. Inside the smallest screens are the largest spaces where our individuality can endlessly shine. While beautifully captivating, many find it overwhelming. 

If you can’t already feel it, it is important we all recognize the mental health challenges millions of individuals face due to the online world we have created. Since the big boom of social media, cases of depression, anxiety, and suicide have nearly doubled. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 3 million children aged 12–17 had serious thoughts of suicide in 2020. Unlike previous generations, young people today experience a relentless flood of information 24/7. Bullying at schools carries on at home on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok feeds. Pressures to compare and conform become inescapable as popularity contests are held in the form of likes, comments, shares, and views. 

Unhealthy social media habits do not stop with younger generations. Global social media users are expected to reach four billion by 2025. As the number of social media users increases, we see its harmful effects on users’ mental health skyrocket. 

Are you ready to put your phone down and your mental health first?


1. Complete an Established Morning Routine Before Scrolling.

From making your bed to getting in a workout, accomplishing small daily tasks before turning to your screen screen allows your mind to wake up feeling productive. This can set the tone for the rest of your day!

2. Join Digital Support Groups

Social media fatigue is felt by people around the world. Embrace the good side of social by joining support groups online that can offer empathy and advice.

3. Know Your Limit

Is your productivity being stifled by screentime? You can take back your time by setting daily screentime limits for the apps you find most addicting. Follow the device settings path for you:

  • Apple: Screentime > App Limits > Set Limit
  • Android: Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls > App Chart > Set Timer

4. Feed Your Feed With Positivity

Did you know you can customize the content you see? Don’t let an algorithm have all the power! It is okay to block or mute words and phrases that you would rather not see when you are online.

5. Don’t Scroll Before You Sleep

Maybe you have heard this one before… that’s because it works! Give your mind a break from the screens before bed. Minimizing exposure to the blue light that screens produce, allow our minds to relax and recharge.


Fatigue. Addiction. Burnout. Poor habits online come in many forms and follow many paths. It can’t be ignored that these symptoms can develop into more serious mental health dilemmas such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

If you believe Integrative Counseling Services can help you or a loved one, or if you or your organization wish to learn more about our offerings, please reach out to our main office at 570-955-5479.

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