How to Make Social Media Work for You (Instead of the Other Way Around)

I used to wake up and reach for my phone before my feet even touched the ground. A “quick scroll” often turned into an hour-long dive into content—some inspiring, some toxic, most just noise. Sound familiar?

Whenever people talk about social media in the context of psychology and self-empowerment, it’s almost always painted as the bad guy. We hear it all the time: Social media is toxic. It’s ruining our attention spans. It’s making us miserable.

Even in casual conversations with friends, social media often gets labeled as one of the biggest evils of our time. And I get it. Well… almost. But here’s the thing—social media is just a tool.

Like fire, it can cook your food or burn your house down. The difference? How you use it.

Social Media Isn’t the Problem — You Are (or at least, the way you use it is)

I personally love Instagram and Pinterest. I’m a visual person, and the amount of beauty and inspiration I find there is endless. Sometimes I think back to my teenage years and how much I would have loved access to so much—stunning art, uplifting messages, effortlessly stylish women.

But let’s be real. It probably wouldn’t have gone that way. I would’ve ended up stuck in a cycle of scrolling through narcissistic TikToks, comparing myself to “perfect” models, wondering why my life wasn’t as exciting, why my body wasn’t as flawless, why my parents couldn’t buy me certain clothes, and ultimately, what was wrong with me.

If you’re tired of mindless scrolling, comparison traps, and feeling drained after every Instagram session, it’s time for a reset.

Let’s talk about how to make social media work for you instead of letting it control you.

A New Perspective: Curate, Don’t Consume

Most people use social media passively. They scroll without thinking, absorb whatever content is thrown at them, and wonder why they feel worse afterward. But social media isn’t inherently bad—it’s just unfiltered.

The problem isn’t social media itself. The problem is that many people don’t know how to navigate it, how to filter through the noise, or how to choose what actually benefits them instead of just chasing short dopamine hits.

And let’s be honest—most people aren’t even aware that they should be filtering what they consume. They just dive headfirst into the digital world, losing touch not only with their surroundings, family, and friends but with themselves.

It’s a lack of education, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. As long as society values material comfort and luxury over genuine education, nothing will change. People will keep using social media for quick happiness, mindless escapism after work, and even as a replacement for real-life relationships.

But this isn’t a post about the dangers of social media. I’m not here to complain. I love social media. It gives me the chance to create and connect with incredible people and ideas. I can write, make videos, share my art, and build a community around it. And let’s be real—being seen and appreciated feels good.

On top of that, it can even be a source of income. So many people have quit their traditional jobs and now sell their art, ideas, and creativity online. No more paying for newspaper ads or hunting down distributors and publishers. You can do it all yourself—you just have to be bold enough to try.

The truth is, you have more control over your feed than you think. Instead of mindlessly consuming whatever the algorithm throws at you, start curating your experience. What you see, who you follow, and how much time you spend on social media are all choices.

It’s time to stop blaming the apps and start taking ownership of your digital world. Here’s how.

5 Steps to a Healthier Social Media Experience

1. Audit Your Feed

Take five minutes right now and scroll through your following list. Ask yourself: Does this person inspire me? Do they add value to my life? If not, unfollow—or mute them if you want to keep the peace. Your feed should lift you up, not bring you down.

2. Set Consumption Boundaries

If social media is draining you, it’s probably because you’re using it on autopilot. Set intentional time limits. Try:

• No social media for the first hour after waking up.
• A 30-minute daily limit (set it in your phone settings).
• No scrolling before bed—swap it for a book or journaling instead.

3. Follow with Intention

Instead of letting algorithms dictate what you see, take control. Follow people who inspire, educate, or positively entertain you. Seek out creators who align with your goals, values, and interests.

4. Create More Than You Consume

Instead of just watching others live their lives, start sharing your own. You don’t need to be an influencer—just share what brings you joy. A photo of your morning coffee, a thought you had today, a small win you’re proud of. Shifting from passive consumer to active creator will completely change your social media experience.

5. Take Regular Digital Detoxes

Even with the best intentions, social media can still be overwhelming. Give yourself breaks. Try:

• Unplug for 24 hours this week—see what happens.
• One weekend a month completely offline.
• Delete apps for a week when you need a reset.

Be the Boss of Your Feed

Social media can be a black hole of negativity, or it can be a powerful tool for learning, connection, and creativity. The difference? How you use it.

Instead of letting social media control you, take charge. Curate your feed, set boundaries, and use these platforms with intention. And that’s when you’ll realize that social media, when used right, isn’t the enemy. It can be a powerful tool that connects you with communities and networks that genuinely enrich your life.

Your challenge: Unfollow five accounts right now that don’t serve you. Then, set a screen time limit for tomorrow. Small steps = big changes. Ready?