Social media has really taken over in the past decade. It is one of the biggest improvements in regards to communication with friends and family across the world, news and education. But while it has a lot of positive attributes, there’s also plenty of negatives too.
We’re all guilty of being glued to our screens, mindlessly scrolling through our feeds especially during lockdown as there’s little else to do. While it’s great for staying in touch with others, people can also fall into the habit of comparing their lives to those they follow.
Every post is selectively chosen, only showing good sides, and we forget this a lot of the time. It doesn’t often show the difficulties people face and people can become bogged down, comparing their lives to the ‘perfect’ world people create online.
If you find it is getting a bit much, you might be in need of a social media detox.
What is Social Media Detoxing?
Exactly what it says on the tin. Either cutting out, or limiting social media usage from your daily routine. It is a reflection and evaluation of how your social media habits make you feel, how it impacts your life, and improving your usage in relation to any issues you may have.
It’s not always easy to do, but it’s becoming more and more common to take a small step back from the virtual world we’ve all grown so accustomed to.
How do I do it?
You can start small by limiting your time on the apps, turning off notifications and only using it to chat when absolutely necessary, or you could cut social media from your life entirely for a period of time, and see how you get on.
Uninstall apps
Get rid of the temptation entirely by simply removing the app. You won’t get notifications or pop on for a scroll out of boredom.
Replace it
Find another activity to replace your usage of social media. It’s the perfect distraction, and you’ll suddenly have a lot more time to give to the new project. Do something you’ve always wanted to do!
Read
Reading anything is exercise for the brain. It is the perfect stimulant and activity to replace social media usage. Try reading a book of a new genre perhaps; explore your imagination!
When should I do it?
There’s no right answer. Every person is different. But, if you’re reading this and questioning if you should, then use this as a sign to give it a go – even if it’s only for a few days.
Living through a pandemic, locked at home with nothing to do can lead us, as people, astray very easily. Don’t be afraid to say goodbye to the online world, and enjoy your real surroundings, your imagination and make memories alone – or with those in your social bubble.
Social media is – and will remain – a big part of our lives for years to come, but remember, it’s always wise to take a step back every now and again.
Words: Brian L Cummins