In this episode, we discuss the impact of social media on mental health, focusing on the concepts of social comparison and social savoring. One route that social media can take to tank our mood has to do with social comparison, where we evaluate our own worth based on others. However, the negative impacts of this can be reduced through the practice of social savoring, which aims at deriving joy from other's experiences. We'll talk about how this approach can help us shift our personal story-telling in such a way that actually boosts our mood. 

 

Key moments:

00:00 Introduction to Joy Lab Podcast 00:39 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 02:41 Understanding Social Comparison and Social Savoring 06:56 The Role of Social Media in Social Comparisons 10:39 The Power of Changing Our Social Media Narratives 16:50 The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex in Managing Emotions 19:26 Closing Thoughts and Wisdom from Thich Nhat Hanh 19:54 Outro and Disclaimer

 

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Sources and Notes:

• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
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• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at NaturalMentalHealth.com for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Fardouly J., Pinkus R., & Vartanian L. (2017). The impact of appearance comparisons made through social media, traditional media, and in-person in women's everyday lives. Access here.
• Corning, A., Krumm A., & Smitham, L. (2006). Differential social comparison processes in women with and without eating disorder symptoms. Access here.
• Pinkasavage E., Arigo D., & Schumacher L. (2015). Social comparison, negative body image, and disordered eating behavior: the moderating role of coping style. Access here. 
• Myers, T. & Crowther, J. (2009). Social comparison as a predictor of body dissatisfaction: a meta-analytic review. Access here.
• Seabrook, E., Kern, M., & Rickard, N. (2016). Social networking sites, depression, and anxiety: a systematic review. Access here. 
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads
• Where to shop:
  • Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
  • Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/

 

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