Why YOU Should Take a Break from Social Media
Picture this, you magically acquired 2 hours and 31 minutes with which you could work, meet friends, spend that time with your family, or do whatever you wish you could do that in those 2 hours and 31 minutes, you could fix that with a break from social media.
Sounds crazy right?
Well that’s what you could do if you were to remove social media from your life. On average internet users spent 2 hours and 31 minutes daily on social media as of 2023.
Social media is a big part of our lives. It helps us connect with friends, stay updated, and have fun. But, it is a double-edged sword, once it grabs your attention, it won’t let go, and it really makes you wonder…Do I need a break from social media? The short answer is yes, so let’s talk about Why YOU Should Take a Break from Social Media:
The Benefits of Social Media
Of course, social media being a double-edged sword signifies that there are benefits and disadvantages to using it, however, keep in mind that the disadvantages heavily outweigh the benefits of using social media. But what even are the benefits?
Connection and Communication
Social media platforms help people stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues, irrespective of geographical distances. It facilitates easy and instant communication.
Information and News
Social media is a quick and accessible source of news and information. Users can stay updated on current events, trends, and developments around the world in real-time.
Networking and Professional Opportunities
Social media platforms, especially LinkedIn, provide opportunities for professional networking. Users can connect with colleagues, potential employers, and industry professionals, enhancing career opportunities. If you become a content creator then social media can become a gold mine for you!
Community Building
Social media enables the creation and participation in online communities based on shared interests or causes. It fosters a sense of belonging and allows individuals to connect with like-minded people. If you want to connect with like-minded individuals then you might want to check out our Discord Server.
Educational Resources
Many educational institutions and professionals share valuable content on social media. Users can access educational materials, tutorials, and resources to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Promotion and Marketing
Social media is a powerful tool for businesses and individuals to promote products, services, or personal brands. It allows for targeted advertising and reaching a global audience.
Awareness and Activism
Social media platforms are instrumental in raising awareness about social issues, promoting activism, and mobilizing support for various causes. It provides a platform for individuals and groups to voice their opinions and advocate for change.
Entertainment and Creativity
Social media is a hub for entertainment, including videos, memes, and creative content. Users can discover and share a wide array of content that brings joy and inspiration. I’m sure that everyone reading this has opened TikTok, Instagram Reels, Youtube Shorts, or some alternative. And to those people, we can gladly say that social media does it’s job at being fun!
Support and Empowerment
Social media communities often serve as support networks. Individuals facing challenges or going through similar experiences can find comfort, advice, and empowerment from online communities.
Global Connectivity
Social media breaks down geographical barriers, allowing users to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. It promotes global understanding and facilitates cross-cultural communication. I’ve met some of my closest friends through games or random online learning communities, it’s honestly astounding how well it allows you to connect with people!
Sounds good, huh? To some extent it is, social media helps people find their soulmate, their new best friend, and potential business partners. But, of course, the drawbacks of using social media are immense. Enough of me babbling about the drawbacks outweighing the benefits, here are the drawbacks.
The Drawbacks of Social Media
As much as I’d love for social media to be all good, it sadly isn’t the case. From the impact on mental health to issues of privacy and misinformation, understanding these challenges is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with social media.
Mental Health Impact
Excessive use of social media has been linked to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Constant comparison with others and exposure to curated, idealized content can contribute to feelings of inadequacy. And if you regularly use TikTok or its Youtube/Instagram counterparts, then you might occasionally find yourself infinite scrolling, meaning scrolling without realizing, it becomes an automatic activity, it will not only sadden you but will also fry your dopamine receptors. Due to the influx of dopamine from all of this short-form content.
Privacy Concerns
Users often share personal information on social media, raising concerns about data privacy and security. Instances of data breaches and unauthorized use of personal information have been reported. And if by some miracle, you’ve managed to anger somebody that you shouldn’t have, you will get doxxed.
Cyberbullying
Social media platforms can become breeding grounds for cyberbullying. Individuals may face harassment, threats, or derogatory comments, leading to emotional distress and, in severe cases, mental health issues.
Time Wastage
The addictive nature of social media can result in excessive time spent scrolling through feeds. This can lead to procrastination and a decline in productivity, impacting personal and professional responsibilities. Remember those 2 hours and 31 minutes, that’s only for social media, however most people have an average screen time of 7 HOURS AND 4 MINUTES! That’s insane! If your reading speed is average, then you can read a book in 7-8 hours. That’s a new book. Every. Single. DAY. Wake up everyone.
Fake News and Misinformation
The rapid spread of information on social media makes it susceptible to the dissemination of fake news and misinformation. This can contribute to the spread of rumors and the formation of misguided opinions.
Social Isolation
Paradoxically, while social media connects people online, it may contribute to feelings of social isolation in the real world. Excessive screen time can lead to reduced face-to-face interactions and hinder the development of genuine relationships.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Constant exposure to the highlights of others’ lives can trigger the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), causing individuals to feel left out or dissatisfied with their own lives. At one speech and debate competition, a girl was performing her speech about FOMO, and it changed my view on missing out, the way she presented it was incredible, and I may one day write a blog post about it.
Addiction and Distraction
Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, leading to compulsive checking and a distraction from real-world activities. This addiction can impact sleep patterns and overall well-being.
Negative Influence on Self-Esteem
Comparing oneself to others on social media can negatively impact self-esteem. The emphasis on appearance and lifestyle in posts may contribute to unrealistic beauty standards and ideals.
Erosion of In-Person Communication Skills
Over-reliance on digital communication may erode face-to-face communication skills. Some individuals may find it challenging to engage in real-world conversations, leading to potential social difficulties. Once I went a week without going out, only communication I had was with my parents, and once I went outside to hang out with some friends, oh boy, I could barely formulate a solid sentence, I felt like a zombie!
How to realise that you need a break.
Now that we know the benefits and disadvantages of social media more clearly, it really makes you think “Do I need a break from social media” and most likely the answer is “Yes”. If you identify with these questions, then you most likely need a break. So here are the questions:
How Much Time Am I Spending on Social Media Daily?
Have you noticed an increase in the amount of time you dedicate to social media each day?
Is Social Media Interfering with Real-Life Activities?
Are you finding it challenging to balance social media use with other important aspects of your life, such as work, studies, or relationships?
Am I Comparing Myself to Others Unfavorably?
Do you frequently compare your life to others on social media, leading to negative feelings?
Is Social Media Contributing to Stress or Anxiety?
Have you experienced heightened stress or anxiety due to content on social media?
Do I Feel a Constant Need for Validation?
Is your self-worth heavily influenced by the likes, comments, or reactions you receive on social media?
Have I Noticed Changes in My Mood After Using Social Media?
Do you find that your mood shifts negatively after scrolling through your social media feeds?
Is Social Media a Primary Source of News, and Does It Affect My Well-Being?
Does consuming news on social media contribute to feelings of distress or overwhelm?
Have I Been Neglecting Face-to-Face Interactions?
Are you prioritizing online interactions over in-person relationships?
Do I Find Myself Mindlessly Scrolling Without Purpose?
Are you spending time on social media without a specific reason, simply scrolling without engagement?
Is Social Media Impacting My Sleep Quality?
Do you use social media late into the night, affecting your sleep patterns?
Have I Experienced Cyberbullying or Negative Interactions?
Have negative experiences on social media, such as cyberbullying, impacted your emotional well-being?
Am I Unhappy with My Body Image Due to Social Media?
Does exposure to images and content on social media contribute to negative body image issues?
Is Social Media Consuming My Thoughts Even When I’m Offline?
Do you find yourself constantly thinking about social media, even when you’re not using it?
Do I Feel a Need to Share Everything Online?
Do you feel compelled to share every aspect of your life on social media?
Has Social Media Become a Source of Procrastination?
Are you using social media as a way to procrastinate or avoid tasks?
Of course, most of these questions will be answered with “Yes”, and here’s what I recommend to do, get a checklist, and try to accomplish all of your tasks without opening your phone once. I guarantee you that you will fail, and that’s normal. I failed this exact thing while I was writing this blog, if I hadn’t looked at my phone then I wouldn’t have gone on a 20-minute scrolling session. And if you can’t accomplish this, then I believe that you do need a break from social media.
How to take a break from social media.
Keep in mind, that it won’t be easy, it’s become a habit to open up your phone and scroll for hours without any end in sight. However, we can make sure that it will be easier for you, by following these tips on social media detox:
Set Clear Goals
Define why you want to take a break from social media. Whether it’s to reduce stress, regain time, or improve mental health, having clear goals will help you stay motivated.
Inform Your Close Ones
If you feel comfortable, let your close friends, family, and colleagues know about your social media detox. This can help manage expectations and reduce any concerns about your online absence.
Disable Notifications
Turn off notifications on your phone to minimize distractions. The goal is to forget about the very existence of your phone. Do not even think about turning it on. Throw it somewhere, give it to a friend, I couldn’t care less, just get it away from you.
Create a Replacement Plan
Identify alternative activities to replace the time you would spend on social media. This could include reading, and exercising, you can find some tips about boxing on our blog post about Southpaws vs Orthodox boxers, and you can finally start pursuing your hobbies, or spending quality time with friends and family.
Delete or Temporarily Deactivate Accounts
Consider temporarily deactivating your social media accounts or deleting the apps from your devices. This step can reduce the temptation to check them mindlessly.
Reflect on Your Experience
Take time during your social media detox to reflect on your feelings, behaviors, and any changes in your well-being. Journaling can be a helpful way to document your experiences.
Reconnect with Real-World Activities
Use the extra time gained from your social media detox to engage in activities you enjoy or have been neglecting. This could be reading, exercising, or spending time outdoors. In particular, I find reading to be the best substitute, as you learn more about whatever you’re reading.
Focus on Real-Life Connections
Strengthen your in-person relationships. Reach out to friends and family for face-to-face interactions, phone calls, or activities together.
Evaluate Your Return
When your detox period is over, assess how you feel about reintegrating social media into your life. Consider setting new boundaries or limits based on what you’ve learned during the detox. Keep in mind, after your first social media detox, it will most likely never be the same.
What should you expect after your break from social media?
After your long, exhausting, and depressing detox, you will realize that social media is a drug, and quitting a drug will often reward you generously, you will feel better almost immediately. But what should you expect after your first detox?
Mental Health Boost
Using social media too much can make you feel stressed or sad. Seeing everyone’s happy moments might make you compare your life to theirs. Taking a break can help you focus on your own happiness and mental well-being.
Time Well Spent
Have you ever lost track of time scrolling through your social media? It happens to all of us. Taking a break lets you use your time for things that really matter, like hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or just relaxing without screens.
Real Connections
Social media is good for keeping in touch, but it can’t replace real connections. Taking a break allows you to talk to people face-to-face or on the phone. Building genuine connections with others is good for your emotions.
No More FOMO
Social media can make you feel like you’re missing out on things. Taking a break helps you appreciate your own life without comparing it to others’. It can make you feel more satisfied and thankful for what you have.
Get Stuff Done
Social media can distract you, making it hard to focus on important things. When you take a break, you might find yourself getting more done. You can use that time for work or personal goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a break from social media will never be a bad thing. There are many benefits of social media, but there are more downsides. Through your social media detox, you will unlock a new level of discipline and motivation, you will get stuff done. I highly recommend doing a social media detox.
Thank you for reading this blog post, while you’re waiting for the next one, you can read this one:
Southpaw vs Orthodox, Which is Better and Why
Southpaw vs Orthodox, Which is Better and Why ‘Southpaw vs...
Read More