Self-Esteem, FOMO, and the Psychological Effects of Social Media Reels
In today’s digital age, it has become increasingly evident that many of us, myself included, spend a significant portion of our lives glued to our screens, endlessly scrolling through reels and YouTube shorts. It is a phenomenon that raises some intriguing questions: Why are we so captivated by these short videos? How do they influence our daily routines? And why do people seem particularly drawn to creating and engaging with these short forms of videos? Let us delve into these questions and explore the intriguing world of short videos and how they shape our lives.
The Psychological Impact of Short Videos
Short video clips such as reels and shorts, commonly found on social media platforms, have a remarkable ability to trigger various psychological effects. Their quick, dopamine-inducing content can foster addictive behavior, further reducing our already diminishing attention spans caused by excessive social media usage. The constant stream of perfectly curated content can amplify the fear of missing out (FOMO), leading to increased anxiety and a sense of disconnection. The relentless pursuit of reel trends can result in stress and burnout, impacting one’s self-esteem and overall well-being. Unsurprisingly, the consequence of excessive screen time is not just procrastination but also a rollercoaster of emotions that can leave us feeling drained.
Youth and Social Media: Coping with the Burden of Likes, FOMO, and Trends
Young people feel pressured to create and post more on social media due to factors like the pursuit of social validation, activation of the brain’s reward system through likes and comments (Sherman et al., 2016), and the FOMO linked to increased social media use (Rozgonjuk et al., 2020). Additionally, peer pressure, the influence of social media influencers, algorithmic incentives, the pervasive comparison and competition on social media platforms contribute to the pressure. Being up on the trends can make individuals feel like they belong to a larger community. To address this, young people must strike a balance, recognizing the impact on their mental well-being while navigating the online world.
Enjoying the Present: Navigating Distraction in the Age of Smartphones with Gestalt Therapy
Sometimes, it is worth contemplating the extent to which our lives are intertwined with our cell phones. It’s as if we are in a constant state of distraction, never fully engaging with the present moment. Imagine being in a situation where something incredible is unfolding right before your eyes, but your attention is diverted by the short videos within your palm. This dilemma brings to mind therapeutic approaches like gestalt therapy, which highlights the importance of embracing the present.
Gestalt therapy encourages us to be fully immersed in the current moment and to absorb the richness of our experiences without the interference of distractions (Yontef & Jacobs, 2008). In a world saturated with screens and notifications, it serves as a poignant reminder that genuine connections with the world around us require our undivided attention. So, amid our smartphone-dominated lives, perhaps it’s time to pause and consider how we might reconnect with the present and all the beauty it has to offer.
Quantum Healing
In the realm of holistic wellness, the impact of social media reels on thought patterns, fostering negativity, can be combated with the concepts of quantum healing—an evolving path nurturing a positive mindset through energy work. This fresh perspective in holistic medicine highlights the power of positive thoughts, often termed quantum thinking (Shrihari, 2017).
Drawing from Watts’ 1950 perspective which indicates the crucial interconnectedness of the brain, body, and environment for conscious activity, suggests that social media content significantly influences an individual’s conscious thoughts and behaviors. Furthermore, in the realm of brain function, neuroplasticity underscores the brain’s dynamic nature, acknowledging continual molding influenced consciously and subconsciously by environmental factors. Notably, the neural circuits associated with social and emotional behavior stand out as particularly susceptible to shaping the mind-body integration through experience (Davidson & McEwen, 2012). Therefore, quantum healing asserts that positive thoughts have the potential to shape our experiences positively.
Moreover, positive emotions contribute to enhancing various cognitive processes, including attention, memory, mental rotation, problem-solving, and social cognition. Expanding on the idea that the mind mirrors the body, engaging in quantum thinking triggers the release of endorphins, akin to natural mood enhancers. These endorphins, with diverse benefits such as immune stimulation, anti-inflammatory effects, stress reduction, and anti-aging properties, contribute to overall well-being. Hence, cultivating a positive mindset and harnessing the positive side of the digital world can contribute to maintaining good mental health.
Embracing JOMO
In the world of reels, where FOMO often takes center stage, there is an equally powerful but often overlooked concept called JOMO, i.e., the joy of missing out. Embracing JOMO means relishing the moments when you disconnect from digital media. It will allow you the freedom to savor real-life experiences, engage in quiet introspection, and build genuine connections. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest happiness can be found in missing out on the constant stream of updates and comparisons. So, as you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of social media, do not forget to cultivate your moments of JOMO. It’s in the pauses that you may discover a deeper, more fulfilling sense of contentment.
Digital Wellness: Strategies for Maintaining Mental and Emotional Health in a Digital World
- Mindful content intake can mitigate the detrimental impacts of excessive short videos and social media interaction.
- Limit screen time to recover control of your digital life and avoid overindulgence.
- Engage in offline activities to balance digital life and offline experiences.
- Seek support and guidance when you feel overwhelmed by the psychological influence of social media.
“Grab your keys and exit the digital dimension – The 'real world' is calling, and it's password-free”.
References
Davidson, R. J., & McEwen, B. S. (2012). Social influences on neuroplasticity: Stress and interventions to promote well-being. Nature Neuroscience, 15(5), 689–695. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.3093
Rozgonjuk, D., Sindermann, C., Elhai, J. D., & Montag, C. (2020). Fear of missing out (FOMO) and social media’s impact on daily-life and productivity at work: Do whatsapp, facebook, instagram, and snapchat use disorders mediate that association? Addictive Behaviors, 110, 106487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106487
Sherman, L. E., Payton, A. A., Hernandez, L. M., Greenfield, P. M., & Dapretto, M. (2016). The power of the like in adolescence: Effects of peer influence on neural and behavioral responses to social media. Psychological Science, 27(7), 1027–1035. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5387999/
Shrihari, T. G. (2017). Quantum healing – A novel current concept of holistic healing. International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 10(2), 00329. https://doi.org/10.15406/ijcam.2017.10.00329
Yontef, G., & Jacobs, L. (2008). Gestalt therapy. Current Psychotherapies, 342-382. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283407833_Gestalt_therapy
Author Bio
Varsha Subramanian Girija holds a master’s degree in neuropsychology from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. In addition, she works as a cognitive-behavioral and gestalt therapist with WHJ ONLINE Therapy Centre. Previously, she pursued in-depth studies on auditory perception and electroencephalography. In addition, her research interests focus on self-voice perception, auditory and verbal hallucinations, pre-clinical studies, and phytopharmacology. She further helps people cultivate mindfulness and embrace the present moment one step at a time.