22/10/2024
Are “Relaxing” Videos Making You Feel Worse?
In the age of social media, we’re often bombarded with serene, calming videos promising peace and relaxation—like ASMR, nature sounds, or those perfectly curated “Morning Routine” videos where everything looks effortlessly calm. But have you ever watched these and felt... not so relaxed? As a psychologist, I find this fascinating! Research shows that while these videos can create a temporary sense of calm, they may also lead to negative feelings for some.
👉Comparison Trap: Imagine watching a video of someone sipping tea on a misty morning, with gentle music playing in the background. It looks so peaceful, but it can leave you feeling like your own mornings are chaotic or lacking. Studies show that platforms like Instagram can fuel feelings of inadequacy and loneliness by making us compare our lives to others’ (Chou & Edge, 2012). Even with relaxing content, we might feel that others’ lives are more peaceful than our own.
👉Escapism Gone Wrong: Escaping into videos like these can feel good for a while, but research suggests it may increase feelings of loneliness and stress in the long run (Satici, 2019). These videos might serve as a temporary escape, but they don’t address the underlying stressors. When the video ends, reality comes back, and sometimes that contrast can amplify feelings of anxiety or discontent.
👉The Paradox of Tranquility: The more we watch these serene, idyllic scenes, the more they can highlight the gap between our busy reality and those seemingly perfect moments, leading to frustration (Whillans et al., 2017). Constantly consuming these videos can create unrealistic expectations of how relaxation or peace should look, making our own attempts at self-care feel lacking.
🎯Remember, True relaxation and peace come from within and through mindful practices that align with your real life—not just from what we see online. It’s okay to enjoy these videos, but let’s be mindful of how they make us feel.
