According to the the National Institute of Health, social media use is the second leading cause of disability among psychiatric disorders.1 A survey of participants in a study in 2022 recognized that those who had minimal symptoms of depression early on were more likely to report an increase in symptoms in later surveys if they used social media.2
Social media managers deal with social platforms on a daily basis and have to cope with the impact it has on their mental well-being. Some ways that have a negative effect on them are:
Pressure to perform. Delivering engaging and relevant content, increasing followers, and driving conversions have an impact on their stress and anxiety.
Continual connectivity. Social media never sleeps and, therefore, neither do social media managers. They may feel the need to always respond and that can sometimes blur the lines between professional and personal life.
Negative feedback. It can take a toll dealing with negative or spiteful comments and criticism.
Overload on information. While it is good to stay updated on the latest trends and tools, social media managers sometimes feel overwhelmed with the constant changes.
Lack of recognition. Because their work is behind the scenes and it may take some time for results, social media managers may feel undervalued or under-appreciated.
Physical health suffers. Because the nature of social media managers involves sitting long periods of time, this can cause back pain, eye strain, and headaches. All of this can impact your physical health.
Though some organizations might foster a supportive work environment, encourage work-life balance, provide resources and promote open communication, that is not the case for all. It is especially difficult to have that support if you are a contractor. It is also not feasible for everyone to change professions or positions. So how do social media managers combat this to take care of their mental well-being? There are a few strategies that can help.
Prioritize tasks. Break down tasks into smaller ones and prioritize according to deadlines and importance. If possible, delegate responsibilities.
Set boundaries. Establish work life from personal life. Avoid checking social platforms and notifications outside of work.
Take breaks. Schedule time to get away from the computer and recharge. Take a walk or stretch but get away from your desk. This will help reduce stress and improve your focus.
Practice mindfulness. Use deep breathing exercises or meditation into daily routines. These practices can help reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity.
Limit screen time. Reduce your exposure to screens by taking frequent eye breaks and adjusting the brightness and contrast settings on your computer. Use blue light filters to reduce eye strain and fatigue.
Schedule physical activity. Engage in regular exercise weekly. This improves not only physical health but boosts mood, enhances cognitive function, and reduces stress.
Seek support. Connect with other social media managers, peers, or online communities to share your concerns and seek advice. This will provide mutual support and help alleviate feelings of isolation.
It is easy to get overwhelmed with social media and let it consume you. However, try to utilize the tips above to assist you in sustaining long-term success and contribute to job satisfaction.
References
Zubair U, Khan MK, Albashari M. Link between excessive social media use and psychiatric disorders. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2023 Mar 27;85(4):875-878. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000000112. PMID: 37113864; PMCID: PMC10129173.
Edwards, Erika. Social media use linked to depression in adults. NBC News, 21 November 2021, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/social-media-use-linked-depression-adults-rcna6445. Accessed 10 May 2024.
Comments