Does Pinterest Cause You Stress?

A recent article in the Huffington Post Pinterest Stress: Close To Half Of Mothers Stressed By Social Media Site, Survey Finds discusses the stress and anxiety that women are feeling as a result of the idealized images seen on Pinterest.  The article states "Pinterest culture can generate feelings of inadequacy by creating a pressure to throw elaborate birthday parties, attempt intimidating DIYs and bake picture-perfect cupcakes."

However, I don't think it's the women who are feeling stress from Pinterest.  I think it's the men.  If you are a pin junkie, the man in your life is undoubtedly going to be affected by your Pinterest addiction and may suffer some stress because of it.  I can't tell you how many times I've called my husband to stop at the store to pick up something I needed for a project.  He's been subjected to strange foods (read vegetables) like vegetarian lasagna and zucchini and onion pie for dinner.  His concern and alarm were evident when he saw that I'd glued fabric to our closet doors.  Is that PERMANENT!

The author of Pinterest Stress Not Just For Moms asserts that much of men's Pinterest stress comes from men having to help with Pinterest projects.  "Certain Pinterest projects require some assistance from the member of the household with a little more experience with various power tools, epoxies, and soldering."  I'm sure there are women who are handy with power tools, epoxies, and soldering, but I'm not one of them and I certainty needed my husband's help with the laundry room makeover.  

I can honestly say that Pinterest doesn't cause me stress.  I like Pinterest because I think it motivates me try new things.  I've tried crafts, home improvement projects, and new recipes.  They don't always turn out well.  My attempts at making blueberry breakfast cake, a dirty girl scout, and slow cooker swiss chicken are some great examples.  Most of the time, the projects I've tried have been successful and I've been very pleased with the results.  When my attempts at Pinterest projects don't turn out well, I've had a good laugh.  As with most things in life, you need to have some perspective.

Idealized images aren't reality

Pinterest isn't the only source for idealized images.  You can find them on Instagram as well as just about any magazine and many blogs.  The images aren't a true depiction of real life.  The images that we love so much on Pinterest or in the glossy magazines have been edited.  Think about how long it took for the subject of the photo to be artfully and carefully staged.  Then think about how many shots were taken to get the right picture.  Then that picture was cropped and edited to make it look just right.  (I can honestly say I look at pictures much differently since I started blogging.)

Don't compare yourself to others

This is something my mom always told me and I think it's good advice.  Each person is different with different strengths and talents.  No one is perfect.  You're bound to make mistakes at some point.   Enjoy it and have a good laugh, even if that means sometimes you might be laughing at yourself.

Have fun 

Pinterest is supposed to be fun and that's how I view it.  I'm sure there are some men who wish Pinterest had never been created because they now spend more time than they'd like helping their wives with Pinterest projects!   I have a lot of fun with Pinterest because I've tried many new things and have learned some new things in the process.   

What do you think?

Do social media sites like Pinterest cause stress because of pressure to be perfect?
Does Pinterest cause you stress?
Does Pinterest cause your husband stress?