Being Mindful Of What You Share On Social Media

Have you ever thought of how to teach teens the proper way of dealing with their digital life? While these young minds may benefit from mindfulness activities for teens, many adults need the same thing. 

People spend most of their days on social media. It takes a massive part in their lives. In fact, most family and friends find it useful to keep in touch through social media. 

But then again, the use of social media isn't just about communicating. It has evolved in so many ways. For some, it has become a platform where they can pretend to be someone else. Because of this, we have to be very careful. Mindful learning is something everyone must practice. 

How Does Social Media Posting Affect You

A person's portrayal of his life on social media is not the same as in real life. Even if we understand this, it's easy to wish that we were living their life instead of our own. This may be a simple case of wishful thinking, but it could be dangerous. 

Comparing your life to that of others can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even hatred. When these feelings aren't dealt with, they could lead to stress and depression. If you are already suffering from these negative emotions, more negative thoughts will only make the situation worse. 

What you need to understand is this: people live their lives a certain way in real life and a different way online. That's why you need to be careful. Remember, their lives may look perfect in the digital world, but it comes with a whole different story in real life. 

They don't always tell the truth. Before you believe what you read, remember to keep a critical eye. Don't fall into the trap of blind belief. 

Be extra careful with the information you get out of social media, such as fake news articles. Allowing these posts to get the best of you will not help at all. Mindful learning should play a key role in how you deal with the various posts you read online.

Don't easily believe what you read. Take the time to look carefully and assess. 

Tips On How To Be Mindful On Social Media

While everyone is aware of the difference between Facebook vs. real life, people sometimes forget that the life they portray online is not the same life they live. But how do you teach yourself to be more mindful of your use of social media? How do you learn to separate your real life from what you post online?

Here are some tips to help you:

Tip 1: Set your intentions

Before you post anything online, determine what your intentions are. Do you want attention, acknowledgment, appreciation, approval, assurance, acclaim, or inclusion? Are you looking for validation? If there is a more constructive way to meet your needs, then go for it instead. Social media may give you attention, but it will not fill any emotional holes. If you want to share your experiences or connect with family, then go ahead and post. In addition, be very careful not to post any personal or sensitive information. Don't give away any personal data like your address or phone number.

Tip 2: Be your authentic self

In this day and age, when people are too worried about their personal branding, it helps to be your most authentic self. While an ego-driven agenda on social media could gain you a lot of likes, speaking from the heart will communicate the message more effectively. Talk about the things that matter to you. It is easy to live in the moment when you choose to be your authentic self, even in the digital world. 

Tip 3: Ask yourself these three questions before posting

Whenever you feel like sharing a post or posting your thoughts on social media, stop and ask yourself these three questions: It is true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? 

Most of the time, when people post their thoughts on social media, their only focus is to express themselves. However, it is essential to consider how your post will impact other people. 

Sure, people might forget about your post or not even read it. Two hundred people on your list may be an insignificant number. But if your post could harm other people, you better think again. Ask yourself: is my post going to hurt anyone? If it will, then you might want to change your mind about it. 

Tip 4: Offer random posts of kindness

Now and then, post a message on social media for people who may need your help. It is a simple way of using your social media practice for a greater good. The goal is to offer support to anyone without expecting anything in return. 

Reaching out to a stranger may not always be your kind of thing. Try it once. You'll see the difference that it will make in your life. 

Tip 5: Live the experience and share it later

It is relatively common for people to snap a picture and instantly upload it on Facebook or Instagram. In fact, it has become a common experience for almost everyone. However, this sharing of the moment interferes with the idea of actually experiencing it. 

More than anything, sharing pictures or videos in real-time minimizes the intimacy that comes with the experience. Live the adventure and write about it online later. Your digital narrations are always appreciated, but real-life "living" is what makes a full life. 

Being mindful of what you share in social media is one of the things people have to learn. It's not about limiting yourself as to what you can and cannot share. Rather, it is about teaching you the value of living life to its fullest.

When you become more mindful of what you put out on social media, not only are you saving yourself from all the hurt other people's comments could cause, but it could mean saving a lot of people from heartbreaks after reading your own posts. 

Control yourself and what you post on social media. In the end, you will see how truly liberating it is to be kind in real life and in the digital world.