Social media is supposed to be this amazing tool for artists and small business owners. It gives us a way to showcase our work, connect with others, and even make money doing what we love. But let’s be honest—sometimes, it feels like social media does more harm than good.
As someone who runs an online boutique, I’ve seen firsthand how social media can drain creativity and wreck mental health. One day, I’m excited to share my designs. The next, I’m questioning everything because a post didn’t perform well. It’s a cycle that’s exhausting, discouraging, and honestly, just not worth it sometimes.
If you’ve ever felt like social media is sucking the joy out of your art, you’re not alone. Here’s why it happens—and what we can do about it.
1. You Start Creating for the Algorithm Instead of Yourself
When I first started posting, I shared what I loved. But over time, I noticed that certain posts got more likes and comments than others. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about making art—it was about making content that performs well.
And that’s where the problem starts. The algorithm doesn’t care about creativity or originality. It cares about trends, engagement, and consistency. If you want your posts to be seen, you have to play by its rules. And before you know it, you’re not creating for yourself anymore—you’re creating for an app.
How it kills your art:
- You start making what “works” instead of what you actually enjoy.
- Your creativity takes a backseat to trends and engagement strategies.
- You feel pressure to constantly post, even when you’re uninspired.
*Recently I gave up Instagram for Threads and I gave up Etsy to focus on creating a blog along side my website. I have never felt so inspired and my mental health feels soo much better!
2. Comparison Steals Your Confidence
Scrolling through Instagram or TikTok can be inspiring… until it’s not. It’s so easy to fall into the comparison trap, especially when everyone’s feed looks perfect.
You see artists who seem more successful, more talented, more put-together—and suddenly, your own work doesn’t feel good enough. But here’s the thing: you’re comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. You don’t see their struggles, their doubts, or their failed attempts.
How it kills your art:
- You start doubting your skills, even if you’re improving.
- You feel like you’re “behind” because everyone else looks so successful.
- Instead of creating, you spend time questioning whether your work is good enough.
3. Social Media Rewards Fast Content, Not Meaningful Work
Art takes time. Thoughtful designs, detailed illustrations, creative ideas—these things don’t happen overnight. But social media doesn’t care about depth. It thrives on fast content.
If you’re not posting constantly, you feel like you’re fading into the background. And that pressure to keep up can push you to rush through projects just to have something new to share. The result? Your work suffers, and so does your passion.
How it kills your art:
- You start prioritizing quantity over quality.
- You avoid long-term projects because they don’t get instant engagement.
- You lose the joy of creating because it feels like a race to stay relevant.
4. The Emotional Rollercoaster of Engagement Metrics
Ever posted something you loved and then felt completely crushed when it didn’t get many likes? Yeah, same.
It’s hard not to tie your self-worth to numbers when social media makes engagement feel like validation. If a post does well, you feel amazing. If it flops, you start wondering if your art is even good. But the reality is, social media is unpredictable. Algorithms change, people scroll past things, and engagement isn’t a reflection of talent.
How it kills your mental health:
- You feel anxious about how your content will perform.
- You attach your self-worth to likes, shares, and comments.
- You start defining success by numbers instead of personal growth.
5. Negativity and Unwanted Criticism
Let’s be real—not everyone on the internet is kind. Even if you put your heart into something, there’s always a chance someone will leave a rude comment, criticize your work, or just be negative for no reason.
And even when feedback is meant to be constructive, seeing too much of it can be overwhelming. When you’re already battling self-doubt, constant criticism (even well-meaning) can make it worse.
How it kills your mental health:
- Negative comments make you second-guess your abilities.
- You feel hesitant to share your work out of fear of judgment.
- You start over-editing or changing your art to avoid criticism.
How to Take Back Control
If social media is killing your creativity and mental health, it’s time to take a step back. Quitting completely might not be an option (especially if you run a business), but you can change the way you use it.
Here’s what’s been helping me:
- Setting boundaries – I limit my screen time and take breaks when needed.
- Creating for myself first – If I love it, that’s what matters most.
- Curating my feed – I unfollow accounts that make me feel bad and focus on inspiring ones instead.
- Engaging intentionally – Instead of obsessing over numbers, I focus on building real connections.
- Remembering why I started – My creativity existed before social media, and it will exist long after.
At the end of the day, social media should be a tool, not a source of stress. If it’s taking the joy out of creating, it’s okay to step back, refocus, and do what makes you happy.
Have you ever felt this way about social media? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
-Abby
