It’s the technology age and social media has proven even further that the world is indeed a global village. Online friends have turned into best friends and influencers are the new ‘local‘ celebrities. While some argue that social media is the best thing to happen to our generation (and humanity in general), others beg to differ. social media detox.
We like to think that social media, as with any other thing in life, has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages, and one cannot because of its disadvantages cut off social media completely. In a world like ours that is heavily reliant on the internet, social media is necessary to stay abreast of things.
In light of the recent occurrences around the world (the coronavirus included), many have turned to social media for breaking news and important information, but being up-to-date has gradually crossed the line from caution to paranoia as events unfold.
To avoid anxiety or at least to manage it, it’s helpful to frequently undergo a social media detox. This will help protect your mental health and your overall well-being from the waves of toxicity that flies over the internet. By consciously controlling the content you feed on, you can create a ‘Zen-like‘ space for yourself and consequently, build walls of defense against negativities.
What is social media detox?
Detoxification is the removal of impurities from a living person. This is necessary to keep the body healthy as toxins build up regularly.
Hence, social media detoxification can be said to be an individual’s conscious removal or control of social media use and consumption for a set period of time. In biology, detoxification is mostly carried out by the liver, but in the social media space, it is carried out by you.
Here are a few benefits of implementing social media detox…
#1. It encourages direct human relationship
The internet has us relating with a wider range of people that we sometimes ignore those closest to us. Some of the loneliest people in real life tend to relate better behind their keypads. By implementing regular detox seasons, you get more time to bond with loved ones.
#2. You remain rational
The social media influence can be so strong that people get hooked and act mindlessly. Take, for instance, how many times violence has been incited with a mere tweet. Oftentimes, those who charge out to do the bidding have been so immersed in a particular kind of content that it overwhelms their reasoning. When you take breaks from social media, it enables you to see things clearly, thus, you become more rational. Much needed if you ask me.
#3. You are more productive
Social distancing should also include social media. Your detox season is generally a great time to do the things you’ve been procrastinating and ignore the ones that don’t matter. Productive tasks like reading a book, taking a course, or even doing your chores are a far better idea than checking Isabella’s page to see how great or ‘fake‘ her life is. At the end of the day, you’ll be happy you used your time well by being more productive.
#4. It helps you stop comparing
Let’s face it, in most situations, many spend their social media time comparing themselves to others. It’s easy that someone’s lunch post triggers you to begin to wonder about the progress you’re making in life. “Have I eaten this before?” “Am I as successful as my mates?” “Why is my life so boring?” These thoughts and more often clog the mind and comparison gradually leads to envy. Save yourself the torture by taking a social media break, and also reminding yourself that everyone’s path is different. Breathe!
#5. Your anxiety reduces
A “harmless” 20-minute scrolling through social media can sometimes leave you anxious. Whether it’s worry about the pace of your life, the condition of your country, or maybe even safety. Social media is flooded with terrible news and all this can take a toll on even the sanest of us. Therefore, it’s necessary to frequently undergo a social media detox to help keep the anxiety under control.
Featured image: Ketut Subiyanto | Pexels
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