"Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" – Hippocrates (400 BC). Drawing parallels between food and media consumption, the Socially Fed Pyramid helps you understand and manage your social media consumption for a healthier digital lifestyle.
Social media consumption is nuanced and would benefit from a sophisticated way to conceptualise this in a high impact and accessible format. Finding a parallel between Social Media consumption and consumption of food in regards to nutrition and health.
The food pyramid provided a conceptualisation for food consumption and effect on nutrition, could this be reimagined for Social Media with a 'Socially Fed Pyramid'?
Drawing on parallels between food and media consumption, this research project illustrates the effect on consumers, communities and society. Through comprehensive research including surveys with 136 participants and analysis of existing studies, we've identified key patterns in how different types of social media use affect wellbeing.
A framework for understanding and optimizing your social media consumption
At the tip of the pyramid, like sugar or addictive content in the food pyramid, this should ideally form a small part of Social Media consumption.
Studies indicate 'Passive' usage is associated with loneliness and disconnection which is 'served-content' provided by an algorithm. Drawing the parallel that 'Served-content' is much like ultra-processed foods that provide a potentially addictive short-lived high. Users could live on this algorithmically driven 'Served-content' but at a cost to their wellbeing.
Examples: "For You" pages, Suggested posts and recommendations, Auto-playing videos, Algorithmic feeds, Endless scroll features
Research Impact: Passive consumption of algorithm-served content is associated with increased feelings of loneliness and disconnection. 12.5% of people who were losing sleep reported experiencing hostile abuse.
The second layer involves using social media to build and maintain meaningful relationships and communities. This represents the social capital aspect of platforms.
The study "Benefits of Facebook 'friends' social capital and college students' use of online social network sites" demonstrated that Facebook was strongest with bridging capital and gives evidence suggesting it provides greater benefits to users suffering with depression and low life satisfaction.
Examples: Joining interest-based groups, Engaging in meaningful discussions, Building professional networks, Maintaining friendships, Supporting others seeking help
Research Impact: 50% of 'Active' users reported having a community that they value online that supports them, 58% had received support or connection after seeking help, 48% had an online community that values and supports them.
This level represents social media use that integrates with and enhances real-life activities and goals. The platform sustains an activity rather than replacing it.
The study "Development and validation of a social media use integration scale" demonstrated the benefits of social media when integrated into other activities and life. This can help develop a support network and prevents someone becoming emotionally attached to the platform itself.
Examples: Coordinating real-world events, Learning new skills through tutorials, Supporting hobbies and interests, Professional development, Fundraising for causes, Sports and fitness tracking
Research Impact: Almost 40% of survey respondents had integrated activities on all key components. Users who integrated social media with real-life activities showed significantly higher life satisfaction scores.
Forming the foundation of healthy social media use, this represents content you actively seek out with intention and purpose. This is 'Active' usage associated with positive outcomes.
The research "Toward an Integrated and Differential Approach to the Relationships Between Loneliness, Different Types of Facebook Use, and Adolescents Depressed Mood" profiled that active users got better over time as opposed to passive users. Active usage of 'Sought Content' and posting is associated with positive outcomes.
Examples: Searching for specific information, Following curated educational content, Creating and sharing meaningful content, Engaging with chosen communities, Having meaningful conversations
Research Impact: 73.5% of respondents had found positive or helpful content. Active usage predicts subjective well-being by creating social capital and stimulating feelings of social connectedness. Those who used the platform in an 'active' manner got better over time.
Key findings from our survey of 136 participants
"It's actually mostly positive for me, I believe it's a reflection of what we engage with, as per the algorithms, but I still spend too much time on it!" - Survey respondent highlighting awareness of algorithmic influence.
"Turning off notifications made a big difference straight away (though it surprised me how isolating and 'quiet' it felt to start with)" - Highlighting the dependency we develop on constant stimulation.
"Say what you want, then disengage; you might just plant a seed, but you will never change someone's opinion online." - Reflecting healthy active engagement without emotional attachment.
Your Private, Local AI Coach for Self-Regulation and Growth
We're developing a comprehensive self-development system that uniquely combines ancient wisdom with modern psychology and digital wellness:
Virtue ethics and reflective practices for wisdom and resilience
Self-regulation through continuous feedback loops and behavioral adjustment
Pattern awareness and healthy digital consumption habits
Your data never leaves your device. Complete privacy with local AI processing.
Pattern discovery, adaptive metrics, and personalized coaching based on your unique data.
Smart prompts, mood tracking, and progress visualization for systematic self-improvement.
Track and improve your digital consumption patterns with SociallyFed integration.
We're currently in development and seeking early testers, feedback, and collaboration opportunities.
Expected Launch: Q4 2025
Based on the Facebook Active Passive Index research
This tool helps you understand your social media usage patterns based on research into active and passive use. Rate how frequently you engage in each activity (1-Never to 5-Very Frequently).
Practical steps to manage your social media consumption for better wellbeing
We're seeking feedback, participants, and funding to expand this research.
Current Focus: Developing AI-powered curation tools to enhance social media news feeds and a Media Metrics Dashboard to track consumption patterns.
Contact Ben Marino