Social media is no longer just a tool for connection; it has become the dominant source of news, entertainment, and engagement. But according to Dr. Kiki Ramsey, a positive psychologist and executive coach, the sheer volume of information is pushing people to the edge. “They’re throwing everything at us at one time so that we can’t catch our breath,” she says.

Dr. Ramsey, based in Atlanta, has dedicated her career to helping people, particularly women, find success by using positive psychology. “I made it my life’s mission to use positive psychology as a catalyst for success,” she explains. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, her work highlights what’s going right and how people can use their strengths to navigate an increasingly divisive world.

Sociologist Jennifer Walter describes the current media climate bluntly: “Your overwhelm is the goal.” The constant flood of opinions, news, and misinformation is designed to exhaust people and make it harder for them to focus. Media theorist Marshall McLuhan predicted this long before the rise of social media, warning, “When humans face information overload, they become passive and disengaged.” Dr. Ramsey sees this playing out now, where people feel stuck, unable to process what’s happening, or take meaningful action. “Most of us can’t even keep up. We can’t keep our heads on straight, and then something new comes along,” she says.

Her advice for taking back control starts with setting clear boundaries around information intake. “You can only control what you can control,” she emphasizes. She is intentional about how she starts her day, avoiding negative headlines first thing in the morning. “If you start your day with negativity, it affects your entire day, maybe even your week or month.” Instead, she prioritizes self-care, positive content, and personal development before tuning into the latest news cycle.

The way people consume information has shifted dramatically. Traditional media once served as the primary news source, but now, people often get their updates through Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. “Back in the day, we got our news from the news. Now, I might go to Instagram to check CNN,” she says. This shift means news doesn’t just come from professional sources—it’s filtered through thousands of personal opinions in the comment section, shaping public perception in real time. “We have to be very discerning. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s true.”

Cancel culture has also changed how people engage online. “Cancel culture is a terrible thing,” Dr. Ramsey states. “People live their lives online now, and when you cancel someone, it doesn’t just affect their internet presence—it spills into their real life.” She has worked with people who have had to take breaks from social media after experiencing intense public scrutiny. She also warns that the constant comparison to others online can be damaging. “I just coached a psychologist who’s incredibly successful, but she was comparing herself to other psychologists she saw online. What she didn’t realize is that those same people are also struggling. Nobody has it all together.”

In discussing broader cultural issues, Ramsey reaffirms her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords—they represent a fundamental demand for all people to be treated as human beings,” she says. Standing by her values, she encourages allies to speak up and for those from diverse backgrounds not to double down on their identities. “We belong here and our voices matter,”

For those who feel drained by social media but still want to be engaged, she suggests focusing on real-world action. “Online activism holds power because most of us are online, but our real activism shows up at the polls,” she says. While social media movements can raise awareness, lasting change happens when people vote for representatives who align with their values.

Setting boundaries on what is shared online is another step toward regaining control. “There is a thin line between what should be shared and what should stay private,” she says. Viral culture has created pressure for people to reveal deeply personal moments, but Dr. Ramsey urges people to think before they post. “Just because something gets engagement doesn’t mean it should be posted.”

As a parent, she takes an even stricter approach when it comes to what her children consume. After noticing behavioral changes in her six- and seven-year-olds, she removed YouTube from their routine. “Even though their screen time was already limited, I saw little things creeping in—attitudes, behaviors that weren’t part of how we do things in my house,” she explains. “So I shut it down.” Despite concerns that restricting social media access could limit development, she says her children remain socially engaged and well-adjusted.

For those struggling with the impact of social media, Dr. Ramsey suggests taking a break. “I stepped away for a month, and it was amazing,” she says. “I still ran my business, but I didn’t scroll. I was more creative, more calm, and guess what? The world didn’t fall apart.” She encourages people to be mindful of how much time they spend online. “If you’re not making money from social media, don’t spend all your time watching other people make money on social media.”

Her message to those feeling overwhelmed is simple. “Step back and take a deep breath. You cannot control everything happening in the world, but you can control how much access it has to you.”

For women looking to refocus and build careers with intention, Dr. Ramsey is hosting Thrive 25, a two-day conference in Atlanta designed to help women step into their purpose. More details can be found at Thrive 25.

Dr. Ramsey’s insights are a wake-up call. Social media isn’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean it has to dictate how people think, feel, or spend their time. She encourages people to take back control by being mindful, setting boundaries, and remembering that real life happens offline.

Dr. KiKi Ramsey Positivity Psychologist

Explore Dr. Kiki Ramsey’s insights on balancing social media use, mental health, and reclaiming personal control in the digital age.

Keywords: Dr. Kiki Ramsey, Social Media Mental Health, Personal Control, Digital Wellness, Mental Health Awareness

#SocialMediaWellness #MentalHealthAwareness

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Kianga J Moore
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