It’s easy to fall prey to doomscrolling. But it’s also a potentially harmful habit for our mental and physical health. Several studies have found a correlation between problematic social media use and depression, insomnia, diminished physical activity, and even elevated inflammation markers, similar to those sometimes seen in chronic stress or immune activation. But here’s the catch: A review of well-being measures across several studies concluded that active and communicative use had slight positive correlations with positive well-being, but it’s passive use (social comparison and problematic use) had negative associations.

Let’s hear from our experts how to turn social media to our advantage. 

Share Authenticity and Support Local Businesses Online

I approach social media by creating an online space which provides positive experiences for users. I promote local businesses through social media by sharing my favorite coffee shops and brewers and artists while adding their tags to my posts. A simple social media endorsement through tagging creates positive effects for people without requiring any financial investment.

A guest booked a soak at our spa after discovering our staff member’s preferred beer pairing through one of our social media posts. The spread of positive energy occurs through content that shows authentic people sharing positive vibes. The goal is to create content that will spread positive energy rather than seeking massive online success. Your voice should serve as a tool to make positive impacts on others.

Damien Zouaoui, Co-Founder, Oakwell Beer Spa

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Use Social Media as a Tool Intentionally

By using social media more positively by treating it like a tool instead of a place to escape(from boredom, pain or whatever). One simple shift is to only open it when you’re looking for something specific like updates or search for something you want to learn. Do this instead of automatically doom-scrolling. Also setting time limits or using it just short and intentional helps keep your mindset healthier

Heinz Klemann, Senior Marketing Consultant, BeastBI GmbH

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Understand Psychology to Avoid Rage-Bait Content

For me it starts by understanding human psychology, and how businesses exploit it. We all want to be outraged, whether we know it or not. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re left or right – we’re all susceptible to being triggered. Once you know this, you can smile at all the rage-bait content on social media. And once you’ve changed your state to a happier, relaxed one, you can contribute more positively yourself.

Matt Saunders, Charity Web Designer, All Things Equal

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Set Boundaries and Follow Positive Inspiring Accounts

Create open boundaries for what you share, who you follow, and how much time you engage. Share useful tips and resources, or better yet, celebrations instead of rants about the day. Follow those who teach you something or champion social good. Use settings to silence anything that bogs you down. Comment with long-winded compliments and don’t challenge yourself to argue back. Take stock of your feed once a month and unfollow anyone who is a triggering source of stress or envy.

Satoko Turnbull, Brand Manager, Shawood

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Share Appreciation Instead of Showing Off Online

I’ve found that social media becomes positive when you treat it as a place to share, not compare. I follow creators who inspire me, comment to encourage others, and share behind the scenes moments from our manufacturing process. It’s amazing how shifting focus from “showing off” to “showing appreciation” changes the entire experience.

Hershel Glueck, CEO, Hero Time

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Share Beautiful Content and Embrace Authentic Self

The digital world receives back everything which we decide to share with it. Your sharing of beautiful content and positive emotions and uplifting colors can create a positive impact that transforms someone’s entire day. Women establish connections through photographs which bring them a sense of mutual understanding.

The goal of social media should focus on authenticity rather than creating flawless content. Users should utilize social media platforms to reflect their true selves instead of using them to hide behind false personas.

Julia Pukhalskaia, CEO, Mermaid Way

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Follow Inspiring People and Spread Good Energy

Social media can be a double-edged sword, one that heavily depends on how you use it. For me, positivity comes from intentionality. I follow people who teach, make me laugh, or inspire me creatively, and I try to share things that feel helpful or genuine. I think it is important to use all of the channels you use regularly to celebrate your friends, or your work team, and highlight what we’re learning instead of just what we’re achieving. I think it’s about putting more good energy into the feed than you take out. A little humor, honesty, or kindness online goes a long way toward making these spaces feel human again.

Madeleine Beach, Director of Marketing, Pilothouse

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Share Valuable Knowledge and Mute Unnecessary Content

I handle social media content with the same care that I use for product development work. Any idea which enhances workflow efficiency or explains complex topics or teaches valuable knowledge should be shared with others. The right conversations emerge when engineers from our team share their expertise about SQL query optimization and API contract development through walkthroughs.

The practice of avoiding unnecessary content helps me achieve my goal. I treat all non-value-added content with the same approach as I do with unused dependencies in code by muting or unfollowing it. The clean signal allows me to engage in important conversations about technology and job opportunities.

Igor Golovko, Developer, Founder, TwinCore

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Fill Your Feed With Inspiring Useful Content

When you use social media with a purpose, it can be a good thing.  Instead of reacting to noise, fill your feed with people and ideas that inspire you, and share content that is useful instead of causing drama.  Making small decisions like celebrating other people’s successes, posting what you really believe in, and taking a step back when you need to can change the whole experience.

Aamer Jarg, Director, Talent Shark