file.png

Protecting Yourself from Facebook's Perfectionist Culture

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your Facebook feed in the quiet hours before dawn? Perhaps a post suddenly pops up that causes a hint of sadness to bloom in your heart. It could be anything from a friend's set of extravagant vacation photos to an old classmate’s celebratory promotion announcement, or even that one super-mom who always appears so perfectly put together. These posts can sometimes make us feel as though we're falling short, not quite meeting the expectations or 'standards' projected by our Facebook friends. But here's a little secret, darling: perfection isn't a requirement, and it’s perfectly healthy to distance yourself from this toxic culture of false perfection.

The Pursuit of Perfection on Facebook

Facebook, despite its allure of increased connectivity, can double as a platform where people parade only the best fragments of their lives. This quest for an idealized life can be mentally draining and harmful. In fact, studies have shown a link between extensive Facebook usage and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Facebook and Mental Health

Relentless display of apparently "perfect" lives can distort our perception of reality. According to a study conducted by Sidney Vollmer, those who cut down their Facebook usage to just (30) minutes a day reported an overall improvement in their well-being and satisfaction with life. Now that food for thought might be worth a nibble, right?

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Additionally, Facebook can incite a sensation known as Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). Observing others' ceaseless joyous moments can inflate feelings of exclusion, enticing us to remain linked in, even when stepping away could do us a world of good.

Steps towards a Healthier Facebook Habit

So, how do we shield ourselves from the negative impacts of Facebook's perfectionist culture? Here are some thoughtfully devised strategies:

  • Set a Facebook Time Limit
  • Customize Your News Feed
  • Cultivate Mindfulness
  • Investing in Real-life Relationships
  • Seek Help

Perfect Isn’t Everything

Though Facebook can come in handy, it also has the potential to negatively affect our mental health through a relentless culture of perfection. However, by identifying this issue and taking suitable measures to guard ourselves, we can carve a healthier online experience. Remember, my friend, perfection isn’t the goal. Embrace your genuine self, both on and offline.

  1. Zee Krstic, (2020). Social media detox tips
  2. Sidney Vollmer, (2017). How to detox Facebook
  3. Declutter The Mind, (2020). Social media detox

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Oh wait! There's more!

Not Sure Where to Go Next?

If you're a slightly weird, socially-awkward, mentally-exhausted woman with ADHD, then you've found your place. You can pull up a chair and set-up camp right next to ours.

We plan to publish articles on many topics relating to our experiences with mother- and womanhood, ADHD, parenting, herbal remedies, meditation, yoga, and staying in tune with your purpose. It may be slowly, but hopefully weekly, between mom-life and full-time jobs; so thank you in advance for your patience.

So often we move in isolation, much like bears do. But bears come together, and as a parenting village, occasionally we do too. We hope you like it here and decide to stay for a bit.

Go to the Blog

Our sense of humor is not for everyone, but our graphic tees are worth checking out if you like to look and feel awesome. We use super-soft tees with tagless branding - perfect for those of us with texture-sensitivities.

We've also curated collections we find most valuable as working moms. These include gifts for petsour little cubsyour best friendyour neighbor, or yourself. We'll continue to add items to the shop, but we welcome feedback if there are items you'd love to see.

Go to the Shop

New to the world of our girlfriend, Mary Jane? Check out our glossary of terms to help you navigate the industry around this happy herb.

Go to the Glossary

Please refer to the following linked documentation for our website and shop policies:

Go to Policies

Our special section of recommended resources, Notion templates, freebies, and e-books.

Check out areas about Cannabis, Parenting & Neurodiversity, or Notion

Go to Resource Sanctuary