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Is Social Media Ruining Our Lives? Let’s Talk.
They say too much of anything is not a good thing, especially when it comes with endless scrolling, double taps and craving that dopamine hit. So how much is too much? Social media, once a novelty for sharing cat videos and keeping up with friends, has subtly woven itself into every facet of our lives. But at what cost? The trick isn’t ditching your accounts entirely; it’s learning to live with them on your terms. Here’s how.
Get (Actually) Connected
Remember the thrill of catching up with friends over coffee, or the pleasant surprise of a phone call? Social media has made it all too easy to trade real connection for digital check-ins. Watching someone’s Insta story is not the same as asking how their day went. Liking a post? That’s not a conversation.
We’ve become lazy, mistaking sending reels as our contribution to relationships. The result? More “followers,” fewer friends. The antidote? Old-school effort. Call someone. Meet for lunch. Ask your friends how they’re really doing. And before you say you’re too busy, check your screen time. You do have time—just swap the doom scroll for dialing up.
Be Present (No, Really)
Social media is the ultimate scene-stealer. Whether it’s angling for the perfect food pic at dinner or obsessively refreshing your feed, it pulls you away from what’s happening right now. The more you chase likes, the less you’re actually liking the moment.
Solution? Create boundaries. Set “social media hours” and stick to them. Think of it as putting your apps in time-out while you reconnect with the real world. Be present at the dinner table, during family movie night, or even while doing absolutely nothing. The best memories aren’t captured in pixels—they’re lived in real time.
Stay in Your Lane
Here’s the thing: comparison kills joy. And social media? It’s the ultimate comparison machine. From perfect vacation snaps to #BodyGoals, your feed is curated to make you feel like everyone else is living their best life while you’re... not.
But here’s the kicker: it’s all smoke and mirrors. Nobody posts their 3 a.m. existential crises or failed sourdough loaves. Instead of falling into the trap, focus on your journey. What lights you up? What’s your next big goal? Stay in your lane, eyes forward. Your life isn’t a highlight reel—it’s a work in progress, and that’s where the magic happens.
Social Media Detox—Without the Detox
You don’t need to quit social media cold turkey to feel better. The secret lies in how you use it. Start by reconnecting meaningfully, reclaiming your time, and redefining your goals. Social media isn’t inherently bad—it’s how you let it influence you that makes all the difference.
The question isn’t whether social media is ruining your life. It’s whether you’re ready to take back control. Because the best moments in life? They’re happening offline.
About the Author
Anna Nikolaou isn’t just someone who tells you to put down your phone—she’s a highly respected psychologist who knows exactly why you pick it up in the first place. With a Master’s Degree in Psychology and postgraduate studies in Adolescent Health and Welfare from Melbourne University, Anna brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Her approach? Warm, empathetic, and grounded in evidence-based strategies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
As the Director and Principal Psychologist at the Macleod Wellness Centre, Anna helps her clients navigate the complexities of modern life—from managing anxiety and stress to building self-esteem and creating a better work-life balance. Her passion lies in equipping people with practical tools to live healthier, more connected lives, whether that’s online or offline.
When it comes to understanding the impact of social media, Anna is the voice of reason we all need—a psychologist who knows the science but can explain it in a way that actually makes sense (and works).
Author: Anna Nikolaou, Principal Psychologist at the Macleod Wellness Centre
Hero Image Credit Laurent Del Rey
2nd Image Credit: photographer Sacha Cohen
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