Social Media Detox
Social Media has taken over. I strongly believe that social media is the robot that rules the world, just like in the movies. The algorithms behind the closed doors at Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram know our personalities, tendencies, vices, and everything in between, and probably better than you do. We are so plugged in to these platforms that they have become our reality, and it’s only getting worse. I think people’s awareness around the detriments of social media is growing, but it’s so hard stop scrolling. I hate social media yet I find myself wasting time flicking my thumb through images and videos of people I’ve never even met.
Social Media was created by very smart yet introverted people. It was meant to create opportunities to meet others without the hassle of having to move, speak, or put yourself out there. It takes away the need to learn social cues. It takes away the need to learn how to process emotions like embarrassment, vulnerability, rejection, and so many other emotions that are necessary for growth. Social Media takes away a lot of pieces that make us human, as one of the most vital needs of humans is to interact with one another, face to face. There have been positive outcomes from social media, don’t get it twisted, but to me, the negative outcomes far outweigh the positive.
I don’t know all the numbers, and I haven’t done all the research, but I believe, down to my core, that social media is the leading factor in the rise of mental health issues in this country, especially with people around my age, and younger. I am very aware that social media is all fugazzi, but I can’t help but feel a little anxious and depressed after I spend a decent chunk of time scrolling through Instagram. There’s a feeling of a fear of missing out, or FOMO as the kids like to call it these days. There’s a feeling of inferiority. There’s a feeling of my life is not interesting enough. There’s a feeling of questioning what the hell I’m doing with my time. All of these feelings and emotions, and not one of them lifts me up. Now, I think that everyone is effected by social media differently based on their personalities, but I will venture to say that everyone has had a little taste of at least one of the emotions I described above post scroll session.
There are a couple of things that have sort of relieved the negative side effects of social media for myself. I’ve become more aware of when I feel drained from scrolling, and I take a break when I do. Depending how drained you feel and how long it’s been since you took a break, I would recommend deleting social media off of your phone, and whether that is for two days, two weeks, or two months is entirely up to you and how you feel. The other thing that has helped me is I have unfollowed everyone that I have never met in person, or people that I feel like do not value my presence, and how you gauge that is also entirely up to you. To me, there is no value in an unfollow or follow, because in all reality, it’s not that big of a fucking deal and I will most likely forget about it in a day. If I want to have a relationship with that person then I will reach out via text or call or they will reach out if they want me in their life. So with all that being said, mix in a break or two from social media and evaluate what relationships bring value to your life.
With Love,
Luke
