With the New Year underway and social media feeds filled with curated perfection, mental health charity Turn2Me is encouraging people to start 2026 grounded in reality by “de-influencing” 7 common social media messages that can negatively impact mental wellbeing.
Social media often promotes unrealistic lifestyles, constant happiness, and financially or emotionally risky behaviour as the norm. According to Turn2Me, these messages can fuel anxiety, low self-esteem, and financial stress, particularly at a time of year when many people already feel pressure to “start fresh”.
As part of its New Year message, Turn2Me is highlighting the reality behind some of the most common online narratives.
- Feeling down sometimes
It is normal to feel low every so often. Social media often portrays people as happy 24/7, but that isn’t realistic. If you’re going through a difficult period, speaking to friends or family can help. Turn2Me also offers up to six free counselling sessions to adults. - Ageing
Getting older is a natural part of life. The pressure to look young forever, amplified online, can be damaging to self-esteem and mental health. - Not going on holidays every month
Most people go on holiday once a year, either in Ireland or abroad. Going into debt for holidays or other non-essential spending can create long-term financial stress, which in turn impacts mental wellbeing. - Re-wearing outfits
Wearing the same clothes repeatedly, including to social events such as weddings, is entirely normal. The idea that every occasion requires a new outfit is driven by online culture, not reality. Fast fashion is a huge contributor to the climate crisis. By normalising re-wearing outfits, we can reduce our carbon footprint. - Not quitting a job without another lined up
Once in a blue moon, leaving a toxic workplace is necessary, but quitting a job spontaneously without another source of income is not realistic for most people and can be extremely stressful. Influencers promoting this as “liberating” often have other income streams that are not visible online. If you dislike your job, applying regularly for new roles is a more sustainable path to change. - Bringing lunch to work
Many people share their daily lunch in nice cafes on their social media channels but bringing a packed lunch is normal, practical, and financially sensible. - Saying no to things you can’t afford
Setting financial boundaries is healthy. Declining social plans or purchases you can’t afford protects both your financial and mental wellbeing.
“Social media often presents a distorted version of reality, and when people compare their everyday lives to that highlight reel, it can take a serious toll on mental health,” said Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, “As we enter a new year, we want to remind people that it’s okay to live a normal life – one with ups and downs, limits, and boundaries. Protecting your mental wellbeing often means pushing back against unrealistic online expectations.”
Turn2Me will continue to highlight its “de-influencing” list throughout January, encouraging people to approach the New Year with compassion for themselves rather than comparison with others online.