Comparison, Insecurity, and the Pressure to Perform: The Role of Social Media in Holiday Stress
‘Tis the season that picturesque turkey feasts, family getaways, beautifully decorated homes, and luxury “What I got for Christmas” hauls hit social media feeds. However, behind the scenes of these perfect depictions of joy and cheer lies a darker reality – the fueling of holiday stress. A recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll of more than 1,500 Americans found that 38% of respondents experience an increase in stress levels during the holiday season, compared to other times of the year. This article explores how social media exacerbates holiday stress, creating feelings of comparison, insecurity, and the pressure to perform.
The Magnification of Year-Round Issues
The holiday season magnifies pre-existing stressors, such as financial concerns, gift-buying pressure, time constraints, and family tension. Colette Sachs, an associate therapist at Manhattan Wellness, explains that the pressure to meet the expectations of gift-giving, holiday events, and travel expenses often tops the list of money concerns. Additionally, family gatherings can trigger stress and anxiety due to unresolved issues or strained relationships. These issues, which exist throughout the year, are amplified by the togetherness and commercialization of the holiday season.
Comparison is the Thief of Holiday Joy
Social media, while intended to drive connection and community, fosters feelings of loneliness and inadequacy through the constant comparison. The carefully curated posts of beautiful travel destinations, elaborately decorated homes, perfectly wrapped gifts, and flawlessly executed holiday meals can lead to self-doubt, disappointment, and envy. Nicholette Leanza, a therapist for LifeStance Health, explains that social media triggers additional worries and insecurities, as individuals strive to please everyone and compare themselves to the seemingly perfect lives of others. This is particularly intrusive when people are already experiencing heightened stress.
The Illusion of Perfection and Exposure to the Past
The standard created by social media is often far from reality. Users selectively share their most polished moments, omitting challenges or difficulties, creating a distorted view of reality. This selective sharing contributes to the perception that everyone else is having a flawless holiday season, leading individuals to compare their own experiences to the seemingly perfect lives of others. Additionally, social media exposes individuals to intimate moments of people from their past, such as exes and estranged family members, which can trigger anxiety and depression.
Setting Boundaries on Social Media
Experts suggest that taking a break from social media or creating boundaries around its use can alleviate holiday stress. Some individuals may need to delete apps entirely, while others can set boundaries to limit their usage. It is important to critically examine how social media affects mood, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Actively questioning and challenging comparisons, recognizing that what is portrayed may not accurately reflect reality, can help alleviate feelings of inadequacy. Establishing specific time blocks for social media use, muting or unfollowing triggering accounts, and avoiding mindless scrolling can also help create boundaries.
Conclusion:
While social media has the potential to drive connection and community, it also fuels holiday stress by fostering comparison, insecurity, and the pressure to perform. The holiday season magnifies pre-existing stressors, and social media amplifies these pressures through carefully curated posts that create an illusion of perfection. Taking a break from social media or setting boundaries can help individuals regain a sense of joy and authenticity during the holiday season. By reestablishing real-life connections and experiences, individuals can find a more grounded and fulfilling holiday experience.
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