Feed to Digest: Social Media on Your Plate

What has social media got to do with the digestive system? A lot, actually.

Think of your social media feed as a digital buffet. It's called "feed", after all. There are endless options, some tempting, some in questionable taste and a surprising amount that looks better on the screen than it would be for your mental well-being. Just like with food, how we consume social media content can have a big impact on how it affects us. Let's get started.

The appetiser: scrolling and social comparison

We've all been there. We begin our social media journey with the hors d'oeuvre: scrolling. We open the app, and a parade of posts begins – travel adventures, celebrity workouts, the latest fashion and makeup trends, perfect muscles and stylishly presented food. As we feast our eyes on all these galleries, something else happens. We are wired for social comparison, so what do we do? We compare ourselves to what we see. This can be motivating, like that friend who inspires you to declutter your room. But it can also do the opposite.

The main course: consuming content

Next comes the main course: the content we actively engage with, and it's important to be selective about what content we fill our minds with. Undoubtedly a task as challenging as figuring out what to fill our plates with at mealtimes. And how much as well. In other words, you have to figure out your social media food pyramid, and if you are, for instance, a business posting on social media, you need to think about what kind of social media food pyramid you are offering to your audience.

Processing what we consume

Our social media experience is uncannily similar to the experience of eating. When we receive positive likes, comments and shares, the reward centre in our brains reacts to the attention as if in response to chocolate (for those who love chocolate). When we share a post, it's similar to sharing a recipe or dish with friends. We follow interesting accounts and get "fed" a constant stream of content, much like following a food blog for recipe inspiration. The way we process what we consume taps into our desire for connection and sustenance, even if it's virtual. Are we even aware of it?

Or you might feel like you're constantly "hangry" for something more. Speaking of hangry: it's a portmanteau word consisting of "hungry" and "angry", dating back to 1918, and it has become very popular on social media.

The unsettling side dish: the fear of missing out

Did you miss out on dessert? The fear of missing out, known as FOMO, is a nasty thing. Scrolling through pictures of friends at exotic locations can trigger a side dish of anxiety and dissatisfaction with your own life. Remember, for the most part, social media is a highlight reel, not a documentary. Many people only post the best scenes - often after preparing them carefully beforehand and filtering them afterwards. It's hardly surprising that authentic and raw content is gaining in popularity.

The digestive system: unfollowing, muting, deleting and taking breaks

We have seen that just like food is processed, this is also the case with content. And that's why our metaphorical digestive system for social media involves being mindful of what we consume and how it affects us. Here are some helpful tools:

• Just like avoiding greasy fast food, unfollow or mute accounts that consistently give you a social media stomach upset.
• Are spam or unnecessary messages clogging up your social media inbox? Then it's best if they're on their way out.
• Schedule social media breaks throughout the day.
• Real connections are key. Relying solely on online connections is not the same thing as meeting up in person.

The takeaway: a balanced social media diet

Social media can be an excellent and powerful tool for connection, information and entertainment - when used properly and with awareness. Just like with food, a balanced social media diet is key. Your eyes, too, will be happy. Bon appétit!

The next newsletter will be out on Wednesday, 19th June 2024.