Let’s be honest: social media isn’t just a tool anymore; it’s a lifestyle—one that can come at a steep cost to our mental health. You’re likely reading this on LinkedIn, a platform where the pressure to stay visible, connect, and constantly “add value” can be just as overwhelming as any other corner of the digital world.
We’ve all been there: scrolling endlessly through posts by “experts” who insist that to succeed, you must show up everywhere, all the time. Be present, network, post daily, comment here, attend virtual events there. But how are you supposed to balance it all when life’s responsibilities—like paying the bills—are already demanding your full attention?
The Cycle of Doom Scrolling
Social media was initially designed to connect us, but for many, it has become a breeding ground for comparison, anxiety, and burnout. Doom scrolling—endlessly consuming content that often leaves us feeling worse than before—doesn’t just affect younger generations. Adults, too, find themselves stuck in the loop of trying to “keep up,” especially on professional platforms like LinkedIn.
You see people posting their wins, career milestones, or entrepreneurial successes, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re falling behind. Add to that the advice from influencers telling you that success requires constant visibility, and the result is an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.
The Mental Health Toll
The pressure to be everywhere, do everything, and be “on” all the time can lead to:
Burnout: Feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically drained from trying to juggle life and an online presence.
Impostor Syndrome: Comparing your behind-the-scenes struggles to others’ curated highlights, making you feel like you’re not enough.
Anxiety and Depression: The constant barrage of “shoulds” and “musts” creates a sense of never doing enough, fuelling feelings of failure.
Breaking the Cycle
So, how do we protect our mental health while navigating the demands of social media?
Set Boundaries: Decide how much time you’ll spend online and stick to it. Not every moment needs to be shared or consumed.
Curate Your Feed: Follow accounts that inspire and uplift you. Mute or unfollow content that drains your energy.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity: You don’t need to post every day to make an impact. Thoughtful, authentic content resonates far more than frequent but shallow posts.
Remember the Bigger Picture: Social media is a tool, not the entirety of your existence. Your worth isn’t measured by likes, shares, or followers.
Prioritise Self-Care: Make offline activities like reading, exercise, or spending time with loved ones a priority.
The Truth About Presence
The idea that you must always be present online to succeed is flawed. True success comes from meaningful connections, consistency in your values, and knowing when to log off and recharge. Social media can amplify your message, but it shouldn’t control your life.
As you scroll through LinkedIn or any platform, remember: it’s okay to take a step back. Your mental health matters far more than the ever-spinning digital hamster wheel. Prioritise yourself first—because no number of followers or likes is worth your peace of mind.
