Staying Updated Without Suffering Media Burnout

Some people go through their social media feed first thing in the morning for news updates before they even wash their faces or brush their teeth. There was a time when people used to read the newspaper or watch the news on television. But social media platforms have replaced other forms of media. Users can now get updates from different parts of the world, all in one place. However, excessive use of social media can negatively affect our mental health without our realizing it. NEEO Messenger is a video calling app that has a feature called NEEO social. Users can put up their posts using this feature and scroll through their newsfeed for news updates. One of the great things about the app is that you get to see selective content on your newsfeed. If, for instance, you don't like a post you can select, ‘not interested’ and if you find it offensive, you can report it right away. The posts won’t appear in your newsfeed again. The app also has a meet people near me feature that lets your find friends in your neighborhood. It’s important to get away from social media for a little while every day and mix up with people in the real world. The following are some more tips on how you can avoid social media burnout:

1. Set aside useless insecurities:

Many people who are active on social media feel they need to have updated knowledge of current social and political affairs. You want to be the first to put up a status regarding the latest breaking news. You develop a fear of missing out and spend an unreasonable amount of time scrolling through their social media news feed. You feel you need to keep up with your image of a politically well-informed person on social media.  However, this is all in your mind. Keeping away from social media for a couple of hours, or even a day, won't make you any less popular.

2. Go through different sources of news:

Sometimes people feel anxious and bitter after watching the news on television. News channel anchors often get into aggressive debates and use harsh words to criticize certain politicians and celebrities. While this may be a part of their jobs you are under no obligation to listen to them. A better substitute is to follow your favorite politicians and celebrities on social media.

3. Keep a life outside social media:

Awareness is important but it’s necessary to have a life outside the world of social media. Use NEEO’s meet people near me feature to befriend people in your neighborhood.  Play outdoor sports with your neighbors every day or just find someone to accompany you for a stroll in a nearby park. It’s important to mingle with people in your community, both online and offline.

4. Plan and start implementing:

Keep an objective mindset while watching the news. If nine out of ten news channels keep announcing how your country’s economy is going down the drain, it’s natural to feel hopeless. But life has to go on, and you have to continue to find ways to deal with your challenges rather than accepting defeat. If you fear becoming broke start looking for a job or for side projects that help you earn some extra cash.

5. Make an active effort to bring change:

When you watch people suffering make an active effort to help them out in some way rather than going into depression. Use your video calling app to get in touch with like-minded people and brainstorm ideas for how you can help out those in need. You need to remind yourself that you have the power to make a difference, even on your own.

6. Be grateful for what you have:

Eat properly, sleep properly, and find time for exercise and for the things you love to do. Use social media as a source of inspiration to improve yourself and your lifestyle. You may be super curious about what’s going on in other people’s lives but you should be more concerned about what’s going on in your life. Instead of obsessing over celebrity couples, think about the steps you need to take to make your own relationships better.

7. Give a genuine opinion:

You have a right to speak up and express your opinion freely on social media. But this will have more of an impact when you speak from the heart. When you start putting up statuses because you feel obliged to, they will begin to lack substance. Talk when you genuinely have something to say, not just for the sake of getting attention.

Watching the news 24/7 will make you feel restless, anxious, and even bitter. Give yourself a break every once in a while and travel to the mountains or some other peaceful place. Interact with knowledgeable people using your video calling app. Make friends in your community using NEEO Messenger’s meet people near me feature.