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Are You Checking In On Your People?
June 12, 2018
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Losing Anthony Bourdain (and countless other celebrities, along with our own family and friends) to the act of suicide is stunningly painful.
And while it's apparent our country does not do enough for mental health, perhaps because of its complexity; we are learning about one trigger for depression: excessive social media.
There's been a string of studies linking the toll of heavy social use and exposure to trolls to declining mental health.
And with the expectations we (rightfully so) place on talent to use social to elevate the essence of our brands - are we at least taking the time to make sure they are OK?
Are we routinely asking if they feel they have balance in their use of social?
Are we assuring them they can come to us for help if they are being trolled (no matter how small it can look from our point of view)?
Here's why:
Researcher Rebecca Darmoc, MS, revealed in her findings printed in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, the likes, comments, and notifications received on mobile devices through apps can release dopamine, making us feel good about ourselves. When we are not getting this dopamine release from our apps and smartphones, many feel anxiety and loneliness.
And beyond social media addiction - there's the awful people part, too.
New research conducted by University of Pittsburgh found a strong correlation between negative experiences on social media and depression.
It's time to encourage social media moderation.
Social is a fantastic outlet; incredible moments and connections have been created because of it.
But with anything in life, nothing good comes from extreme use.
Consider the following:
Turn Off Superficial Notifications
None of us really need to know someone "liked" our tweet in real time. Turn off all sound and badge notices that do not bring constructive meaning to our days.
Spend Less Time Doing Insignificant Stuff
Limit use on social by making time spent more meaningful. Think quality over quantity. Rather than a few dozen random posts and tweets all day - work on creating a more memorable presence.
Decide Where You Can Create The Most Impact
As 'fun' as it can be banging through 4 or 5 social media apps all day long - what platform(s) do you really thrive on? Or what platform(s) are you having a bad experience with? Do some soul inventory on where you should really be.
Effective use of social greatly benefits our brands (and overall health and relationships); so long as there's balance of use.
Consider adding the above to your company's social media policy. Demand working smarter at social, not harder.
We win when we invest in our people.
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