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With the new year set to be riddled with uncertainty, an expert warned agents to be cautious of not falling into a negative space when it comes to social media consumption.
“Social media has become a staple in our daily lives, but it’s important to remember that not everything we see on these platforms is real,” Bespoke Media’s chief executive Nic Fren stated.
The expert explained social media platform algorithms are designed to pick up on content users spend time engaging with and will continue to show you similar content — whether it’s good or bad.
“[It] just knows you engage with that kind of content, so it will show you more of it,” he said.
He further explained that indiscriminate consumption of social media content could lead to the false belief that everyone else’s lives are perfect and our own are not measuring up.
However, he argued that this negative effect could be combated with a shift in mindset when consuming online content.
“People often present a highly curated version of their lives online, only showing the best moments and hiding the less glamorous aspects,” he said.
Mr Fren added that agents should remember that “we have different journeys and are at different stages of our careers”.
“What works for one agent or one company might not work for another, and that’s OK. We need to stop putting additional pressure on ourselves when we only see highlights reels, not the full movie,” he explained.
The expert further argued that social comparisons through social media are futile and “can lead to a distorted view of the world and make us feel like we are the only ones struggling”.
If you find yourself feeling deflated after scrolling on social media, the expert enumerated six ways to combat it:
1. Limit your usage
For starters, Mr Fren recommended limiting the amount of time you spend on social media to a reasonable amount. “This can help reduce the negative impact it has on your mental health and well-being,” he stated.
2. Be mindful of what you consume
There’s a saying that goes, “you are what you eat,” and Mr Fren believes this adage also applies to social media consumption.
“Pay attention to the content you are consuming on social media. If you find that certain types of content or accounts make you feel negative, consider unfollowing or muting them,” he advised.
3. Take breaks
To prevent mood downturns caused by social media, the expert said it could be helpful to take breaks from social media to recharge and refocus.
“Consider setting aside specific times of the day or week when you will not use social media,” he said.
4. Use the tools and settings available
“Many social media platforms have tools and settings that allow you to customise your experience and limit negative content,” according to Mr Fren.
For example, you can use the “mute” or “unfollow” functions to remove certain accounts or hashtags from your feed.
5. Seek support
If you are finding that social media is having a consistently negative impact on your mental health, the expert recommends seeking support from a mental health professional to address the issue.
6. Use social media for positive connections
Lastly, Mr Fren reminded agents that social media could also be a source of positive connections and support.
“Try to use it to connect with friends and loved ones in a meaningful way, and to share content that is uplifting and positive,” he advised.
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