A Sample Scenario for Social Media as Therapy
To explore the topic in more depth, let’s begin with the following scenario: A man in his late 50s has lost his best friend in an accident and is so depressed that he can’t concentrate properly. The situation escalates to the point where he’s at risk of losing his job. He then visits an experienced psychological counselor, who offers him effective advice. She suggests watching funny videos from specific TikTok channels as a way to distract himself. She also gives him a list of NLP coaches on YouTube. He follows her advice and starts seeing positive results.
In this example, he is using social media as a form of therapy.
How Social Media Influences Psychological Well-Being
sociale medier platforms offer a wide range of opportunities to support mental well-being – an approach that’s increasingly gaining traction under the concept of social media as therapy.
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Positive Effects of Social Media
- Social media platforms allow users to connect with like-minded individuals. They also make it easy to stay in touch with family and friends across the globe.
- People of all ages can draw inspiration from motivational content.
- Humorous or calming posts offer effective stress relief and foster a sense of connection and support – key elements when using social media as therapy.
- Users can (with discernment) explore valuable sources of information and learning.
- Social connections: These platforms make it easier to communicate with friends and family, reduce loneliness, and strengthen relationships – especially for isolated or introverted individuals.
- Emotional support: During difficult times, social media offers space for empathy, advice, and shared experiences, helping to build psychological resilience.
- Access to information: The internet provides quick access to knowledge and promotes both personal and professional growth through articles, videos, and research.
- Entertainment: Online content such as games, movies, and music helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation and good vibes.
Intentional Use of Social Media to Enhance Well-Being and Community
The Role of Communities and Groups: Communities and groups play a vital role on social media. Group members – for example, in a Telegram group – can exchange ideas with like-minded people and offer each other emotional support during tough times. This form of digital connection is a key aspect of social media as therapy, as it strengthens belonging, self-esteem, and emotional resilience.
Using Content Intentionally: In a digital world full of distractions, it’s essential to consume content mindfully rather than letting it control you. Those who use social media with awareness can enhance their well-being – a core goal of social media as therapy – and support their personal growth.
Filter Content to Focus on the Positive: By carefully selecting which accounts you follow and filtering out negative content, you can transform your feed into a source of inspiration. Studies show that curated content can boost emotional well-being – a foundational principle in the therapeutic use of social media.
Follow Accounts That Promote Personal Growth: Accounts that focus on self-reflection, motivation, mindfulness, or learning can empower you daily and contribute to digital self-care – a practical example of how social media can be used therapeutically.
Differentiate Mindful Use from Passive Scrolling: The difference between active and passive use is critical: actively sharing, commenting, or creating content fosters connection and self-esteem. Passive scrolling, on the other hand, can lead to comparisons, dissatisfaction, and mental fatigue – risks that should be consciously avoided when using social media as therapy.
Videos and Livestreams: Look for clips that motivate or relax you – such as “live coaching” or “meditation sessions.” These formats are especially suitable when using social media as therapy, as they directly engage emotions and help reduce stress.
Interaktivt indhold Channels that share content like challenges, tasks, or mini-coaching sessions spark creativity and engagement. They create moments of flow and active involvement – essential elements in the therapeutic use of social media.
Psychological Mechanisms Behind the Concept of “Social Media as Therapy”
Emotionel Resonans Inspiring content often triggers deep emotional responses. By activating mirror neurons, you experience joy, compassion, or motivation—even when the moments are only virtual. These empathetic reactions are a key element of social media as therapy, as they enhance our emotional connection to the world and support mental well-being.
Distraction and the Flow State: When you consciously focus on content, it can temporarily reduce stress—a core element of social media as therapy. Especially creative or interactive formats like videos, challenges, or playful tasks can help you enter a state of flow. In this state, you forget your worries and become fully absorbed in the activity. This intentional distraction helps release emotional tension and boosts overall well-being.
Boosting Motivation: Social media gives you access to inspiring role models and proven success strategies. Within the context of social media as therapy, such content can be highly motivating: it strengthens ambition, opens new perspectives, and encourages self-reflection and personal growth. Your digital consumption thus becomes a positive impulse for development.
Social Media as a Replacement for Therapy? Yes or No?
Now we return to the question raised in the introduction: Can social media truly replace therapy?
Social media is full of speeches and posts that make us think. While such content can be inspiring, the real question is whether it can replace professional therapy. Let’s assume the content is shared by licensed therapists. Even then, it’s not real therapeutic work. And if non-professionals share advice about mental health, they’re either voicing opinions or sharing personal experiences.
Not every piece of advice online is meant for you. Too much self-reflection can even have harmful effects. If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, seek professional help. Social media is not the real world — and it should never be treated as such.
Konklusion
Social media is not real therapy. It can support therapeutic processes, offer motivational impulses, and help you navigate emotional crises in the short term—but it does not replace qualified psychological treatment.
Professional therapists have extensive training, supervised clinical experience, accredited degrees, licenses, and certifications. They work based on evidence and tailored approaches—not general opinions, personal beliefs, or viral trends. Their goal is not to generate clicks, but to guide people through targeted interventions and enable genuine, long-lasting change.
Social media content that inspires can certainly be part of your daily life. But stay mindful: just because something goes viral doesn’t mean it’s accurate — or right for you.
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed by anxiety, or haunted by past wounds, it’s time to seek help from professionals. Social media can offer support — but it is not a safe harbor. That lies in true therapeutic guidance.
