by Megan Sy, M.A., M.S. 

In the age of social media, there is passionate focus on creating the image of a picture perfect life. Instagram, in particular, is well-known for its filtered pictures and curated feeds. We are now learning through research that too much social media can lead to increased rates of depression and a plethora of unhealthy negative emotions such as jealousy, shame, and anxiety. So how can we enjoy social media without succumbing to all these negative emotions?

From the REBT perspective, Ellis would encourage unconditional self-acceptance. This includes unconditionally accepting ourselves and trying to avoid global ratings of our worth based on external accomplishments or material possessions. It also involves flexible and non-demanding preferences about the things that we would like to have in our lives. While they would be nice to have, there is no reason why we MUST have them.

We also often fall into the trap of thinking that someone’s Instagram feed is exactly how their life is at all times. It’s difficult to remember that the pictures we see on Instagram are carefully selected to give us a certain impression. Not many of our friends are sharing pictures of dirty socks in the laundry hamper or regular updates on cleaning out the cat’s litter box. It’s important to remember that side of others (and ourselves) too.

According to Ellis, healthy people are those who attempt to enjoy life and accept themselves unconditionally without having to prove anything to anyone. If we adopt this belief system, we can help ourselves to avoid experiencing unhealthy negative emotions while browsing social media.

Megan Sy