Positive psychology offers approaches that go beyond reducing social media symptoms toward building the conditions for genuine flourishing.
PERMA and Social Media
Martin Seligman's PERMA model identifies five elements of wellbeing relevant to social media:
- Positive emotions: Deliberately cultivating joy, gratitude, and pleasure alongside social media treatment
- Engagement: Flow states that create absorption and counter social media
- Relationships: Quality connections that buffer against social media
- Meaning: Purpose that persists despite social media
- Achievement: Progress toward goals, even while managing social media
Signature Strengths and Social Media
Research shows that using your top character strengths in new ways is a robust social media intervention. The VIA Character Strengths survey identifies your strengths.
Integrating Positive Psychology with Social Media Treatment
Positive psychology doesn't replace social media treatment — it complements it. Treating social media removes obstacles; positive psychology builds the structure of a fulfilling life.