Social media has become such a big part of our daily live and it is important to be aware of the impact it can have on our mental health and how we conduct our else as equestrians.
With the rise of live streaming and instant updates, the pressure to perform at a high level has never been greater.
Riders are now able to see real-time updates of their competition and are constantly aware of their position in the rankings. This can lead to an increase in anxiety and stress, as riders feel the need to constantly improve and stay ahead of the competition. These feeling are only built up by seeing constant social feed streams of others posting their great results and perfect rides but very rarely the bad ones.
In addition, the constant comparison to others on social media can leave you feelings a bit envious and despondent. Seeing others post about their successes, whether it be a new horse, a big win, or even just a good ride, can make one feel inadequate and like they're not good enough. This can lead to a negative spiral of thoughts and emotions, where one feels like they are not measuring up to the standards set by their peers. When going though your various platforms feeds it is important remember that it is never perfect all the time for anyone in the real world, we all get bad rides, bad rounds, and have mostly all had these feeling at some point. Even those riders at the very top of their discipline.
Seeing a constant stream of images of perfect horses, perfect riders, and perfect settings can create an unrealistic expectation of what the equestrian sport should look like. It is very important not to let that lead to feeling disappointment and disillusionment with the sport, as well as feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Posts are often made to only show the good parts, so remember not everything is alway really. I world with filters and apps to help make you look what others deem "pretty" I think its safe to say you should trust everything you see online.
Social media can have a negative impact on mental health is the constant need for validation. With the ease of access to social media, it's easy to post a ride or a picture and expect instant feedback. The lack of validation or the presence of negative feedback can leave you feelings rejection and isn't great for ones self-esteem. So when using these platforms it is important to think about why you are posting that photo or video, is it to see how many people will go and leave a comment or a like? Its very easy to get raped up in that but don't let it be your main goal. Rather try enjoy the content creation side, put up something you are proud of or something you feel is worth sharing but do it for youself and not to get others approval.
It's important to remember that social media is not the only measure of success or worth. The equestrian industry is about more than just winning and losing, it's about developing a deep connection with your horse, learning from your mistakes, and growing as a rider. It's important to focus on your own journey and not get caught up in the constant comparison to others on social media. Focus on ourself and your own growth.
In conclusion, social media has had a significant impact on the equestrian industry, and it's important to be aware of its potential but on the negative effects on mental health as well. By setting healthy boundaries and focusing on your own journey, equestrians can continue to enjoy the sport while also taking care of their mental well-being. Remember, it's okay to take a break when it becomes overwhelming and seek help if you are struggling with your mental health. This will only make you stronger.