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Back to Workshops Ages 13-15 • Digital Wellbeing

Social Media Reality Check

Navigate social media mindfully and protect your mental health

40-50 minutes
Digital Wellness
Certificate Included

Why This Matters

Social media can be amazing for staying connected, but it also has a dark side. From comparison culture to FOMO (fear of missing out), social media can seriously impact your mental health and self-esteem.

This workshop will help you develop a healthier relationship with social media, recognize its effects on your wellbeing, and create boundaries that protect your mental health while still staying connected.

The Truth About Social Media

1

Highlight Reels vs. Reality

Most people only post their best moments. You're comparing your behind-the-scenes to everyone else's highlight reel, which isn't fair or accurate.

2

The Comparison Trap

Constant comparison leads to decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Your worth isn't measured in likes, followers, or comments.

3

FOMO is Designed

Social media platforms are designed to keep you scrolling by triggering FOMO. Understanding this helps you take back control.

4

Real Life > Online Life

Your real-life relationships, experiences, and achievements matter more than any online metric. Balance is key.

Activity 1: Your Social Media Audit

Examine your current social media habits

Be honest with yourself. This is just for you - no judgment, just awareness.

📊 Answer These Questions:

Activity 2: Behind the Filter

Understand what's NOT shown online

For each "perfect" social media scenario, think about what's happening behind the scenes that isn't posted.

📸 The Perfect Vacation Photo

What you see: Beautiful sunset, perfect smile, amazing location

What you don't see: The 47 takes before they got the right angle, the argument they had 5 minutes before, the expensive trip their parents stressed about

💯 The Straight-A Post

What you see: "So excited about my grades! #blessed"

What you don't see: The stress, late nights, tears, anxiety, tutoring, and the subjects they struggled with that they didn't mention

🎉 The Party Pictures

What you see: Everyone having the best time, looking perfect

What you don't see: The people who felt left out, the drama that happened, the person who posted feeling lonely despite being surrounded by people

💭 Your Turn to Reflect:

Activity 3: Your Social Media Boundaries

Design a healthier relationship with social media

Check the boundaries you want to implement. Be realistic - start with a few you can actually stick to!
Time Limits: Set a daily limit (1-2 hours) and stick to it
No Phone Zones: Keep phone out of bedroom at night
Morning Delay: Don't check social media for first 30 minutes after waking
Curate Your Feed: Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad
Mindful Checking: Only open apps with a specific purpose
Reality Reminder: Remind yourself "This is a highlight reel" when scrolling
Social Media Detox: Take a full day off social media once a week
Real-Life Priority: Put phone away during meals and conversations

🎯 My Top 3 Boundaries to Start With:

Activity 4: What Else Could You Do?

Replace scroll time with real experiences

List activities you enjoy (or want to try) that don't involve screens. Next time you're tempted to scroll, choose one of these instead!

💡 Ideas to Get You Started:

✨ Read a book
✨ Play an instrument
✨ Exercise or play sports
✨ Draw or create art
✨ Cook or bake
✨ Write in a journal
✨ Go for a walk
✨ Call a friend
✨ Practice a hobby
✨ Spend time outside

📝 My Go-To Activities Instead of Scrolling:

Final Reflection

"How would your life be different if you spent less time on social media? What would you gain? What are you afraid of missing out on, and is that fear realistic?"

Workshop Complete!

You've completed the Social Media Reality Check workshop

  • Examined your social media habits honestly
  • Understood the highlight reel vs. reality
  • Created healthy boundaries
  • Identified alternative activities
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