Here's the thing, social media is here to stay. No matter what you think or say, internet platforms are not going anywhere. At least not anytime soon. We have so many founders to thank of that. Although there are benefits to social media, as I am using this platform to share my thoughts. I am certain you find good use of it as well. But is there a thing of too much use of social media? And how does that not only impact OUR mental health, but our children, and the generation that comes after us?
If you are a millennial then you know we were the last group to enjoy those long those summer days outside, only to have our parents fuss at us when we came back in the house. The constant complaint, "you smell like outside, go get in the shower," was something I became accustom to hearing. We partaken in double dutch or watching basketball games from neighborhood teams for bragging rights. Everything now is organized sports and you have to pay at some capacity to participate. We seen the shift from paper to computer real quick, and technology appears to evolve right in front of our eyes. I think many of us have a love hate relationship with technology, but no matter how you slice or dice it, you will eventually be on a platform sharing your thoughts, looking for long lost relatives, or joining some kind of group to help you with some kind of challenge you are facing.
Despite it all, I see the good in social media, but it has its flaws. Just like anything else. The scrolling from one platform to another can cause you to waste so much time doing nothing (Unless you are doing research and to a degree that can be suspect). The unmet expectation can lead one feeling distraught, discouraged, and disinterested in something they think is their passion.
As a mom I sometimes find myself (or I did prior to this) scrolling after midnight when the kids were asleep. I found it as my "me time," but to only notice how I was comparing myself to someone's glam life. Someone's 60 seconds of highlights they posted on social media had me in my feelings to the point I started to give myself the side eye. I was wondering...what am I doing with my life?
Not to mention being a founder of a mental health magazine, producing issues quarterly and helping people display their work on a platform. Those 60 seconds made me feel like I was not doing enough, and that's the issue with social media. At least one of them.
Another thing I found myself doing was the fear of missing out. Don't let a video go viral. It lead me to doing research to find the original content and check out the person who went viral. Check out a few of their videos and become hooked. Causing me to take the eye off of my own path and focus on someone else.
Lastly I was tired a lot. And when I say tired, I mean tiirrreeeedddd! Knowing I have to get up in the morning to go to the gym, just to find myself mid day not being able to function or concentrate due to being so into whatever Tic-Tok video Instagram Reel that I engrossed myself in the night before. Now I know I am not the only one who HAD these challenges. And if you are dealing with them today, I want you to realize that you too can detox from social media.
Detox Anyone?
Take social media breaks!
Limit your time on social media, allow only a certain amount of time at a time.
Do something productive. Allow your attention to go towards that thing you have been putting off.
Practice mindfulness, live in the moment. Go outside and get some fresh air...it's free! Even if that means to sit outside for a second, go on a 10 minute walk or a drive.
These steps has helped me and I am certain it will help you. Let me know about your social media journey. Have you done a detox? How long do you find yourself online even when you don't want to be?
I'm curious to know...let's chat below!