Books, tv, radio, internet and social media are powerful tools that enhance our understanding of the world and ourselves. Chances are you’re probably reading this while binging your favorite Netflix show or scrolling through Instagram or Snapchat. A 2018 statistic shows that Americans consume 8 hours of digital media everyday.
You might have discovered content that makes you feel insecure. You dislike your body, clothing, friends, music, books, tv shows, etc. That picture of that girl on Instagram dressed in tights makes you squirm. You glance at your own clothes and think they are out of style.
Media offers benefits and challenges. It offers both entertainment and educational opportunities. Sometimes, it offers more challenges causing young people to question their self-worth. An American Psychological Association article notes that 41% of teens who use social media struggle with their mental health.
It is important to make sure that the media we consume is encouraging and uplifting. Here are ways to choose media that affirms the real you:
- Ask parent or teacher opinions: It’s always best to consult a parent, teacher or any adult you trust to help you choose wisely. In the internet age you have access to tons of information at your fingertips. Yet, it can be hard to know how to make the right choices. Influential adults in your life can help you find books, music, tv shows and movies that promote good morals.
- Look up reviews on Common Sense Media: This resource offers in-depth book, music, tv show and movie reviews.
Others ways to make sure your are choosing your media wisely is to ask these questions:
- Is the media I consume having a positive or negative impact on my mental health? With access to so many different ideas thoughts may rummage through your mind. Some good and others bad. Media can cause you joy, sadness and depression. If the tv shows, movies, videos or books you read cause you to be insecure, and have a negative self image, it’s probably best to stay away.
- Is the media I consume causing tension between me, my family and friends? This can go a number of ways, whether it’s something you have to hide from your family and friends, especially if you are consuming media your parents don’t like, or it’s causing you to be hostile towards others.
- Is the media I consume causing me to compare myself to others? This ties into the first point about insecurity and negative self image. This is more specific to movies, tv shows and social media. Another statistic shows that girls spend more time on social media than boys averaging 5.3 hours. Boys only averaged 4.4 hours. If social media is causing you to compare yourself to others, maybe it’s best to take a break.
Choosing media wisely is essential to your mental and physical well being. While media is primarily for entertainment, the type of media you consume does impact your perception of others and yourselves.