The rise of social media has changed our day to day lives right before our eyes. In our interconnected world, social media allows us to easily communicate with those we care about, such as family and friends, while also providing entertainment, breaking news, and trends from around the world. Despite all of these benefits, there are downsides to using social media on a daily basis.

Have you ever noticed how all social networks incorporate a way to rate their users? There’s nothing wrong with liking, sharing, or retweeting. It’s natural to feel good when you get positive attention from your peers. However, this feeling can be addicting. Placing too much value on the number of likes you receive is an unhealthy habit that can damage your self-worth. If your mood shifts based on the feedback you get online, you might need to take a step back from social media. The pressure to be socially accepted and celebrated can be too much to handle for some social media users. If you use social media to compare yourself to others, its likely that you may experience lower self-esteem and this can affect your mental health.

People use social media to display how wonderful their lives are, but that’s only a snapshot of the real picture. Most people don’t post photos of themselves where they don’t feel confident or share negative events in their lives. By comparing yourself to the highlights of someone else, you may be left feeling inferior or jealous.

Next time you post online, ask yourself if you’re hoping to gain followers, see how many likes you can get, or evaluating yourself based on the response you receive. Placing too much importance on these metrics will likely leave you feeling disappointed. Remember that your following on social media does not equate to your personal value. Face-to-face communication and validation cannot be replaced by a digital device.

It’s not necessary to abandon social media altogether, but taking a break may make you feel happier. Take note of how much time you spend checking your accounts and try to cut it in half. Whether you are a social network addict or an occasional user, everyone can benefit from disconnecting and placing more significance on your accomplishments in real life.