The Guilt of Social Media Use for New Moms

Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, especially for new moms who might be feeling isolated. However, social media can also lead to feelings of guilt, as new moms compare their own lives to the seemingly perfect lives they see online or guilt from not being fully present during those fleeting moments with a new baby. If you're struggling with social media guilt as a new mom, here are some tips to help you manage. 

Tip #1: Set Some Ground Rules

The first step to managing social media guilt is to set some ground rules for yourself. If you find that scrolling through Instagram leads to negative self-comparison, set a limit on how much time you allow yourself to spend on the app each day. Same for TikTok. Additionally, try muting or unfollowing accounts that make you feel bad about yourself, and track your screen time. You should only be following people and brands online that make you feel good—not guilty. 

Tip #2: Be Selective About What You Share

It's important to remember that social media is a highlight reel. People only share the good stuff—the perfect vacations, the spotless homes, the happy kids—and leave out the rest. I mean, who wants to see a midnight blowout? So, when you're feeling guilty about your life not measuring up to what you see online, remind yourself that everyone has struggles, even if they don't post about them online. When it comes to sharing your own life on social media, be selective about what you share. There's no need to air your dirty laundry online for everyone to see—keep some things private. 

Tip #3: Find an Online Community That Supports You

If comparing yourself to other moms on social media is leading to negative self-talk, find an online community of like minded moms who will support you. There are a number of supportive Facebook groups for moms of all ages and stages that can help you feel less alone in your journey of motherhood. These communities can provide a much-needed sense of connection and support—something we all need from time to time. It can also allow you to engage - such as asking or answering questions - in a way mindless scrolling cannot (sorry TikTok).

While social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, it can also lead to feelings of guilt for new moms who compare their lives to the seemingly perfect lives they see online or find the time getting away from them from overuse. If you're struggling with social media guilt as a new mom, set some ground rules for yourself, be selective about what you share online, and find an online community of likeminded moms who will support you.