Episode 41: Social Media: Good or Bad?

Hey friends, welcome back to the podcast—where we walk, talk, and occasionally scroll our way through wellness, one episode at a time. Today we’re diving into social media. Is it good? Is it bad? 

Now, if you’re an older adult—or someone who loves one—this episode is especially for you. Because while social media often gets painted with the same brush as teenage angst and influencer drama, it’s also become a lifeline for many older folks navigating retirement, isolation, and the search for meaningful connection. 

But let’s not sugarcoat it. Social media has a dark side.  I’m talking about the mental health toll it can take—especially when it becomes a mirror for comparison. 

Studies have shown that young people who spend hours scrolling often end up feeling worse about themselves. They compare their bodies, their lifestyles, their relationships to curated, filtered versions of other people’s lives. 

But here’s the twist: social media can also be a powerful tool for older adults. It can combat loneliness, foster community, and even spark creativity. 

Let’s talk about the elephant in the chat room: comparison. 

You know that feeling when you see someone’s vacation photos and suddenly your backyard barbecue feels lame. That’s the comparison trap. 

But here’s the good news: awareness is power. Once you recognize the comparison trap, you can step around it. You can curate your feed to include uplifting content.

Now let’s flip the script. Because while social media can be a source of stress, it can also be a lifeline. 

For older adults, especially those living alone or far from family, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok have become virtual gathering places. 

Some examples of how to use social media for good: 

1. set a virtual family dinner where you set up your phone and eat with far flung family 
2. join a virtual club 
3. play games 
4. make future plans 
5. send a 'thinking of you' text 

“Let’s bust a myth, shall we? The myth that we’re too old for tech 

There’s this lingering idea that older adults just ‘don’t get’ technology. That social media is for the young. The truth is, older adults are not only capable of using social media—they’re reshaping it. 

Social media has opened up new avenues for friendship—especially for older adults who may be navigating retirement, relocation, or loss. 

Of course, not every online interaction is sunshine and daisies. But with a little digital savvy you can navigate the noise and find your people.

Let’s get real, social media can be a double-edged sword. On one side, it offers connection, creativity, and community. On the other, it can stir up anxiety, comparison, and information overload. 

So let’s talk boundaries. You don’t have to be online 24/7 to stay connected. In fact, studies show that limiting screen time can improve mood, sleep, and overall well-being. 

So What do the Experts Say....

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, has spoken extensively about the epidemic of loneliness, especially among older adults. He’s called it a public health crisis, right up there with smoking and obesity. 

So what’s the takeaway? 

Social media isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it depends on how you use it. 

Social media is a mixed bag. It can be a source of stress—or a source of joy. It can isolate—or it can connect. 

For older adults, it holds incredible potential. To combat loneliness. To share wisdom. To build community. 

Thanks for spending this time with me. 

 

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