#Healthy #Habits #From #Social #Media

Social media has helped my learning in several meaningful ways, especially in developing healthy living habits, like cooking new recipes and strength training. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have provided practical demonstrations, step-by-step guides, and real-life examples I could apply right away. From a teacher’s perspective, this matches what Bui, Ulla, Tarrayo, and Pham (2023) describe about the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of social media in education. Their research shows how these tools can boost engagement, motivation, and understanding.  

What Worked Well  

The first thing I noticed was emotional engagement. Social media content motivated me and increased my confidence to try new skills. Watching videos of people successfully preparing meals or performing exercises made me feel capable of achieving similar results. Bui, Ulla, Tarrayo, and Pham (2023) emphasize that social media can improve learner motivation and self-efficacy by offering interactive and genuine learning experiences. For me, immediate feedback through comments or tracking my progress reinforced my motivation. This is similar to how students in educational studies improved when platforms provided engagement and support.  

Social media also helped me practice effectively. Short recipe videos or exercise demonstrations broke down complex tasks into manageable steps, allowing me to follow along and apply what I learned right away. This aligns with what Bui, Ulla, Tarrayo, and Pham (2023) describe: social media platforms can encourage active participation, allowing learners to engage consistently with the material and put knowledge into practice. The visual and interactive nature of social media made it easier for me to practice new skills than if I had relied solely on written instructions.  

Cognitively, social media strengthened my understanding. I could see the correct form in exercises or ingredient combinations in cooking, which helped me grasp concepts faster. Bui, Ulla, Tarrayo, and Pham (2023) note that social media can improve cognitive outcomes by providing models, examples, and chances for critical thinking. In my case, observing and replicating exercises or meal prep steps reinforced both my understanding and practical skills.  

Challenges  

Despite these benefits, I faced challenges. One emotional challenge was comparison. It’s easy to feel discouraged when I see highly polished posts. Bui, Ulla, Tarrayo, and Pham (2023) point out that social media can harm learners’ well-being when unrealistic portrayals lead to anxiety or stress. Behaviorally, I sometimes consumed content passively, saving videos or scrolling for inspiration without actually practicing the skills. Cognitively, I needed to determine which sources were reliable and which advice was safe or evidence-based. The editorial emphasizes that learners should approach social media thoughtfully. They should balance its benefits with an awareness of potential pitfalls (Bui, Ulla, Tarrayo, and Pham, 2023).  

Conclusion  

Overall, social media has supported my learning in healthy living by providing motivation, practical examples, and cognitive reinforcement. At the same time, it has required me to evaluate content critically, avoid unhealthy comparisons, and turn inspiration into action. When used intentionally, it can be a powerful tool for learning.

P.S.

It wouldn’t feel right not to include my favourite dietitian and her healthy, non-restrictive approach. I’ve loved Radhi for a while, and since following her, I even got her recipe book and often recreate some of her recipes.

Click here for her instagram