A Candid Reflection: Social Media and my workflow.

One of the biggest challenges I face is limiting my time on social media. What starts as a quick post or update can quickly spiral into a prolonged browsing session. Interesting articles, engaging videos, and the latest trends. watching traffic is also the cuplprit. Seeing how many likes, follows and plays I had recieved. This can all divert my attention away from my music. Before I know it, what was meant to be a five-minute break can turn into hours of lost productivity.

The Downside

Social media often creates an environment where perfection is expected. This pressure can be particularly burdensome for a music producer. The constant ping of notifications and the temptation to check social media can break this flow, making it difficult to get back into the zone. Each interruption means it takes longer to complete a track, and the quality of my work may suffer as a result.

The constant comparison to the skills of other artists, the desire to present polished sounds, and the fear of negative feedback can stifle creativity. Instead of focusing on the natural flow of my work, I sometimes find myself overthinking and second-guessing my decisions, worried about how they will be perceived online.

As said in a previous blog post I found that social media has made it much easier for people to turn against each other. I recently found out I was loosing followers on Facebook. I shared it in a post to see if anyone was dealing with the same problem, or wether it was simple glitch in the algorythm. One person said that they were unfollowing me because they thought that I was desperate. I then made a post that was far more constructive. Anyone who knows me understands I am only on social media for music networking only. Of course there are other ways people can get in touch with me including e-mails.

The Collision with Mental Health

So this is where social media can collide with one's mental health. Studies have shown that excessive social media use can lead to various mental health issues. Research from the University of Pennsylvania found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day significantly reduces feelings of loneliness and depression. Additionally, a study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry linked higher social media use with increased odds of experiencing anxiety and depression among young adults.

The constant need for validation and comparison on social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. For artists and creators, this can be particularly harmful, leading to self-doubt and creative blocks. The pressure to maintain a perfect online persona can create a disconnect between one's real self and the digital self, further straining mental health.

Focusing on ways to limit myself

I am the kind of person who cannot do moderation all that well. I demonstrated this very well when I was trying to quit alcohol. When it comes to social media I simply focus on other things, and try my best to find ways to hold onto that focus. When I drank I could clearly not handle one drink because one drink soon became a bottle. I cannot maintain 5 mins of social media in one day because it turns into 3 hours. So I am trying a few things as well as go back to the studio for longer periods of time with 5 min breaks away from the screen, and limting the days I am online. So far it's working.

Finding balance is key along with concentrating on those who trully support you. Social media can be a powerful tool for connection and promotion, but it's crucial to manage its use mindfully. By prioritizing my music and mental well-being, I can continue to produce meaningful, authentic work while fostering a healthier relationship with social media.