Using social media doesn’t seem to be optional anymore. You need it to know what’s going on, and to stay updated on current events. You can’t even apply for jobs these days without LinkedIn. There’s no real way to escape it, and when you’re Black, that constant connection comes with extra weight.
There is a lot of research about how social media affects our mental health, but it hits differently when you’re Black. Your feed can go from celebrating Black excellence to watching another traumatic video of police violence or an act of racism in seconds. That whiplash does something to you, even when you’re just “checking in real quick.”
Here’s the complicated part: social media makes you feel connected and isolated at the same time. You can find your people online, but the scrolling drains you. Trying to stay informed while protecting your sanity is exhausting.
How do you know when social media is affecting your mental health? Some of the signs include:
- Feeling anxious after scrolling
- Comparing yourself to everyone’s highlight reel
- Doomscrolling at 2 AM
- Snapping at people for no reason
- Feeling off after being online
- Losing your sense of time when you’re online
Over time, these patterns can lead to mental health challenges. Constant exposure to trauma and negativity online has been linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety disorders, and even PTSD symptoms for Black users. Sleep problems from late-night scrolling can spiral into bigger issues with mood and the ability to concentrate. Some people develop an addictive habit of checking their phones.
What should you do if you’ve fallen into any of these patterns?
Start by setting boundaries. Try muting triggering accounts, using app time limits, or taking a day offline. Delete apps temporarily if you need to–whatever works to give yourself some breathing room.
If things really start to get out of control, you’re having panic attacks, can’t sleep, or notice depression creeping in, reach out for help from a friend, or even better, a therapist. The right support can help you figure out how to be online without it taking over your life.
