How Your Social Media Addiction Is Affecting Your Mental Health
Have you ever thought about how much you use social media, and wondered whether you have a problem? If you had, you wouldn’t be alone. Many people spend hours a day scrolling aimlessly through each platform before starting the process all over again, and are starting to wake up to the fact that this really isn’t good for their health.
Why isn’t it good for your health? Well, people who use social media for hours a day are focusing on virtual interaction, rather than genuine social interaction. As a result, we are more connected online but separated offline than ever. People are also spending double the amount of time scrolling than they initially believe - time that could be spent working on goals and dreams.
Lives are being wasted staring at a screen. It’s impacting physical health, and quality of life. Even mental health issues have risen tenfold since the birth of various social media platforms. People have anxiety and depression now more than ever before - could it be that looking at the ‘perfect’ snippets of people’s lives and comparing their own is having a detrimental effect? More than likely!
If you’re feeling a little more worried now, take the following steps to break your addiction and live a happier, healthier life.
Delete All Of Your Social Media Accounts
This may seem extreme, but it could be the kick you need to get you using social media in a healthier way. Maybe you could only manage a week without your social platforms. Maybe you’ll go a whole month. Whatever you do, set yourself a goal, make it a challenge, and smash it. When you see that the world doesn’t end and you don't become a social pariah without social media, you’ll feel much better.
You can get the accounts back afterwards that you feel you want, but you’ll probably rethink a few that you don’t need. After all, why focus on people you don’t even speak to in real life when you could be focusing on yourself?
Unfollow Any Accounts That Make You Feel ‘Less Than’
Have a bit of a deleting spree and get rid of any accounts on social media that make you feel less than great. Things like teen eating disorder treatment have shot up because girls are feeling less than because of accounts on Instagram. Take control of your feeds and vow to only look at things with a positive message.
Understand That They Are Playing You
Understand social media a little better. Understand that these platforms are playing you. They are designed with addiction in mind. They employ people who work on slot machines and other gambling machines and games to help them design their platforms. They want you to log in and check back as often as possible. Is it healthy? Nope. Now that you know these platforms have got you right where they want you, you can break free.
Check With A Purpose
If you must check, check with a purpose. Have a specific goal in mind, and stay mindful so you know when you’re just aimlessly scrolling.
Set Rules
Give yourself rules, e.g., no social media before lunch and no social media after 6pm. Your rules could be much stricter, or even looser to begin with.
Get started now and you’ll live a much happier life!