Shreveport event explores surviving social media with your mental health

Yahoo

a day ago

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—Social media has changed how we connect in daily life and even the workplace. Today, many define success through social media, but it also comes with a mental health cost.
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Social Con is a local event that is sparking real conversations about the reality of social media.
From highlight reels to instant viral fame, social media is a blueprint for life for some, but Kalli Combs, owner of Social Con, says people often only see part of reality. She says social media's impact on mental health is important, and sometimes, that requires taking a break.
'Things that have been working for me, that I've found that works with my mental health, because we all need to step away sometimes, you cannot as a human being involve yourself in negativity or anything that may be conducive to your spirit all the time,' said Combs
Combs says comparing culture online can lead to false realities and unrealistic expectations.
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'You see people that you know, they may have nice cars or they may have money… But you don't know that they're renting that… So all you see is what's in front of you,' said Combs.
That's why she urges parents to stay aware of what their kids consume and shares what works for her family.
'When we're in the car driving, I'm listening… or leaving the door open and listening to what he's watching on TV, so we can further advocate,' said Combs.
Former U.S. Surgeon General Doctor Vivek Murthy says to be aware of mimicking what you see on social media.
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'What I worry about, for young people in particular, is the impact that technology is having on their social connection. We tend to think, 'Oh. Kids are on social media. That's great because they're connected to one another.' But, no, we have to recognize there's a difference between the connections you have online and the connections you have in person. And as more relationships are shifted online, we're realizing that, number one, more kids are struggling with this intense culture of self-comparison online, which is shredding their self-esteem.' Dr.Vivek Murthy.
At the end of the day, Combs says the realest thing we can do is to be transparent.
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