HOW TO WEAN YOURSELF OFF SOCIAL MEDIA
New research has found that excessive digital use affects us similarly to drug addiction, leading us to make riskier decisions. Emma says it’s time to take stock and adapt your usage
Do you frequently find yourself scrolling through other people’s pictures, or reading the news on apps during your commute, as you eat your lunch, and before lights off at night? Habits form without us realising, and it is only when we take stock and explore the impact those habits could be having on our wider life that we can make an informed decision as to whether innocent scrolling has become a potentially damaging addiction.
STOP COMPARING
New research has likened excessive social media use to drug addiction, having found that users of both are likely to be dependent on their “drug” and feel completely preoccupied with them. That preoccupation fogs their minds, so they are more likely to make poor judgements. You may think that comparing cocaine to Instagram is over the top, but in the past decade, I have worked with more and more people who are negatively impacted by it, feeling that their lives are going nowhere because they believe what they see on social media. Rather than spending time cultivating their personal possibilities, they get depressed watching others succeed.
HAVE TIME OUT
If you relate to this, it’s time to take a digital detox. This will free you up to explore what you need to change in your own life so that you don’t constantly feel that you are losing a competition you never intended to enter. Even if you believe that your usage is acceptable, try to commit to two evenings and one weekend day without social media.
TAKE CONTROL ONLINE
Turn off notifications, vibrations and beeps so you make the choice to go online, rather than being tempted by your phone. Every time you reach for it, pause and ask yourself why. If you don’t have a solid answer, put it away again. I have started the year practising JOMO (the joy of missing out), and I am actively focusing on spending more time in the real world with friends and family and doing solo activities that I enjoy. I feel less anxious and I have more time available than I thought possible. I suggest you try it too.