Instead of completing that task or making that deadline that is due within 24 hours, you have found yourself aimlessly scrolling on Instagram, Facebook, and or TikTok. One may tell themselves just one more post, one more comment, let’s see what this person has been up to, then before you’ve realized it, you have gone down the social media rabbit hole, and lost track of time. Losing track of time while on a social media account is just one of the signs of needing a social media detox. Another sign is when you start to compare how other people’s lifestyles may be different from yours which in turn may play a role on how you view your life. The questions start pouring in; Am I successful? I haven’t traveled there. Am I ugly? I don’t have those clothes, the family or the house. This slowly leads to a person only feeling validated from a “like”or a comment on their post and if this isn’t given, you feel less than, which feeds into people having low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Taking a hiatus from social media consists of a person eliminating social media consumption for a certain amount of time. Some may go days, months, or years to take a break from the media world.
Tips to lead up to a social media detox:
- Set a timer of how long you will yourself on a particular social media platform. Create a rule that you’re not allowed to stay on past 45 min.
- First thing in the morning, find an activity I.E., mediation, reading, or yoga, instead of picking up your phone.
- Maybe only go on social media during the weekend or once a day.
- Replace social media habits with reading, learning a new skill, , meditation, or practicing mindfulness.
- Instead of checking in on family or friends through social media, check in on them in real time. Pick up the phone, text, or go see them face to face. In the end there will be increased productivity, less pressure to produce “perfect content” and acceptance of oneself.
To lessen the negative effects and enhance the positive effects of social media, even while you’re using it by doing the following:
- Unfollow accounts that have a negative effect on your self-image or mood.
- Delete negative DMs, trolling, or spam.
- Remove photos from your own profile that trigger self-judgment.
If you’re unable to detox, you can show examples of mindful, authentic postings, so others can be inspired by your feed and follow suit.
- Post about taking breaks when you take them to remind others, they can do the same.
- Show the real you, no filter.
- Remind others in your captions that you’re a real person with insecurities hang-ups just like them.
- Post encouraging comments on others’ posts.
With the detox, not only do you regain control of your life, but you protect your privacy as well. Many people aren’t aware of it; but social media can bring out your competitive side. This is because the basis of social media networks is to attract attention to your posts. Each reaction and comment is a measure of how popular a particular post is, which can make you strive to outdo others and even yourself. This type of competitiveness is not healthy. Although there are some benefits we gain from social media (connecting with family and friends), there can be some downsides to using it. With conscious use, breaks, and balance with other activities, social media can be a healthy tool for self-expression.
