# Caroline Goldsmith Smart Ways to Protect Mental Health on Social Media Caroline Goldsmith shares expert tips to balance social media use, reduce anxiety, and improve mental health for young people. --- Social media can be a fun way to stay connected, discover trends, and share your life with friends. But for many young people, it can also create stress, comparison, and even anxiety. Finding a healthy balance is key to protecting your mental wellbeing. **[Caroline Goldsmith](https://www.goldenpages.ie/caroline-goldsmith-psychologist-dublin-D01/)**, an experienced psychologist, helps teenagers and young adults learn how to manage online stress while enjoying the positive sides of digital life. --- ## The Double-Edged Side of Social Media Social media can have both benefits and challenges. **Positive effects:** * Stay connected with friends and family * Find support communities and inspiration * Learn about new ideas and opportunities **Negative effects:** * Constant comparison can lower self-esteem * Fear of missing out (FOMO) creates anxiety * Endless scrolling disrupts sleep and focus --- ## Signs Social Media May Be Affecting Your Mental Health You might need a reset if you notice: * Feeling anxious after scrolling through posts * Comparing yourself constantly to others * Losing hours online instead of studying or sleeping * Feeling pressure to always reply or post --- ## Practical Strategies to Reduce Social Media Anxiety ### 1. Set Screen-Time Limits Use built-in phone features to limit app time and get reminders to take breaks. ### 2. Curate Your Feed Unfollow accounts that make you feel negative and follow pages that inspire or motivate you. ### 3. Avoid Scrolling Before Bed Create a “digital sunset” — stop using screens at least 30 minutes before sleep to rest your mind. ### 4. Take Regular Breaks Plan a weekend or one day a week with minimal social media use. A short digital detox can refresh your mind. ### 5. Focus on Real-Life Connections Spending more time with family and friends in person builds stronger emotional support. --- ## Real-Life Example Emma, a 21-year-old student, spent hours scrolling every night and started feeling anxious about her life not being “good enough.” After working with Caroline, she set time limits on her apps, curated her feed, and started a new hobby offline. Within weeks, her anxiety reduced, she slept better, and felt happier overall. --- ## Why Professional Support Helps Social media stress can sometimes feel overwhelming, but support is available. Talking to a psychologist can help you: * Understand why social media triggers certain emotions * Learn tools to manage FOMO and comparison * Build healthy online and offline habits Stay connected with helpful tips and resources on **[Caroline Goldsmith’s Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/carolinegoldsmithpsychologistIR?_rdc=1&_rdr#)** for regular updates about mental health and wellbeing. --- ## FAQs about Social Media and Mental Health **How much time on social media is healthy?** Experts suggest limiting screen time to about 1–2 hours a day outside of school or work. **Can social media cause anxiety?** Yes — especially if you compare yourself to others often or feel pressure to be constantly available. **What is the best way to stop doomscrolling?** Schedule specific times for social media and replace endless scrolling with positive activities like journaling, reading, or exercise. --- ## Final Thoughts Social media doesn’t have to harm your mental health — it’s about balance and mindful use. By setting boundaries, curating your feed, and prioritizing real-life connections, you can enjoy the benefits of digital life without the stress. Caroline Goldsmith offers expert support to help young people manage anxiety, build confidence, and develop healthier habits both online and offline.