By Nur Nabilahuda Humaira’ bt Abdul Malik 
We often hear about both the benefits and downsides of social media. While it has helped businesses and brands grow, gain recognition, and connect with wider audiences, it has also contributed to burnout, comparison culture, and a decline in motivation, both for individuals and professionals.
One of the most influential platforms today is TikTok, which has become a staple on almost every smartphone. While it provides entertainment, educational content, and business opportunities, studies have shown that it also affects users’ motivation and mental health (source).
From the rise of corporate aesthetics to highly curated routines, homes, and habits, social media has set unrealistic expectations for how people should live, work, and succeed. The pressure to keep up can lead to dissatisfaction, procrastination, and even a loss of motivation.
How Social Media is Destroying Your Motivation
1. The Trap of Unrealistic Expectations
Digital platforms often showcases highly curated content, where success stories, luxury lifestyles, and “perfect” productivity routines dominate. This constant exposure can make you feel like you’re not doing enough, even when you are making progress in your own way.
2. The Comparison Cycle
Comparing yourself to influencers, entrepreneurs, and even peers on online networks, can lead to self-doubt. When you see people seemingly achieving success overnight, it creates an illusion that your own efforts are insufficient, even though success often requires years of work behind the scenes.
3. Instant Gratification Over Long-Term Goals
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are designed to give quick dopamine hits with short-form content and instant likes. This can make long-term projects or delayed gratification. Such as studying, working on a business, or improving skills feels boring or less rewarding in comparison.
4. Mental Fatigue and Burnout
Doomscrolling, excessive screen time, and information overload can mentally exhaust you. Instead of being productive, you may find yourself drained, overwhelmed, and unmotivated to take action on your own goals.
5. Fear of Failure and Perfectionism
Seeing only the “perfect” results from others’ efforts can discourage you from even starting. The fear of not meeting the same standards can cause procrastination or avoidance, ultimately hindering your personal and professional growth.
How to Take Control and Fix It
1. Curate Your Feed
Follow accounts that inspire and educate rather than those that make you feel inadequate. Unfollow or mute content that triggers self-doubt and focus on creators who share realistic, growth-oriented perspectives.
2. Set Boundaries on Usage
Limit your screen time by setting app timers or scheduling “no social media” hours during work or study sessions. This helps maintain focus and reduces unnecessary distractions.
3. Focus on Your Own Journey
Remember that social platforms shows a highlight reel, not the full story. Set realistic personal goals and measure success based on your own progress rather than someone else’s online persona.
4. Engage with Social Media Intentionally
Instead of passively scrolling, use social channels as a tool for learning, networking, or gaining inspiration. Follow industry leaders, join meaningful discussions, and use it to your advantage rather than letting it control you.
5. Practice Digital Detoxes
Take regular breaks from digital platform, whether it’s for a few hours, a day, or even a week. This can help reset your mind, reduce anxiety, and improve focus on real-life activities and goals.
Final Thoughts
Social media isn’t inherently bad, but how we engage with it determines its impact on our motivation. By being mindful of your consumption, setting boundaries, and focusing on your personal journey, you can prevent digital media from draining your motivation and instead use it as a tool for positive growth.
Are you ready to take back control of your motivation? Start by making small, intentional changes today!