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Social distancing at its finest. The real test. Are you up for the challenge?
Author: Abigail F.
I think the hardest part of this concept is that social media is used everywhere and not just for posting your selfies, but for credit card payments, TikTok ads on the side of your web browser, etc. We are so used to having instant gratification from what social media gives us, that we often forget what living is truly supposed to look and feel like.
I have tried numerous times to go on a "no social media/ delete all social media" journey. That didn't even last three days. However, I came to the realization that it is not about getting rid of everything or all of the media at once. It is more about a slow and steady decline of my usage on certain apps and devices in general.
Tip #1 - Time is running out
Not actually, but actually. I don't like to think of the glass half empty, however for the purposes of this I am. Social media rids us of valuable time with reality. Whether it is time spent with our loved ones, ourselves, pets or just embracing the world around us, it is beneficial to not always be exposed to an altered version of reality.
Tip #2 - Take it slow
This is hard because who doesn't want instant gratification? It is ingrained into us from the very culprit itself, social media. If we don't like a certain ad or video that pops up we scroll for a new one until the algorithym picks it up. Instead of deleting all of your socials at once, create a goal that is attainable. You can set limits on your phone and make timers as well if you don't like that function.
Such as:
"I will check social media for 2 hours everyday for the next two weeks."
This may seem like too much/little for some people, but that is why you make a goal that pertains to you and what you feel is reachable.
Tip #3 - Make the change
The change is within you to create distance from social media and anything you may want in general. No one else can make you do anything. This is where the previous set goal can become hard. When you have reached your goal for a set amount of time, it is now your chance to improve that goal with a smaller window to see a difference in your u
sage. It would look something like:
"I will check socials for 1 hour everyday for the next week."
You can either choose to change both variables or change just one according to what you feel is attainable.
How many hours a day do you spend on social media (email, instagram, facebook, snapchat, TikTok, etc?)
1 hour max
Not even 15 minutes
Half a day
Maybe 3-4 hours
Tip #4 - Do not give up
It is hard, there is no doubt about it. Giving up one of the biggest parts sadly, of ur lives is hard. This is the opportunity to create another big thing in your life that you genuinely enjoy. Even if you break your goal, do not give up. Recognize the problem, think about how it makes you feel, and move on with what you want.
Tip #5 - Social media is not reality
Lastly, knowing that there are real and amazing experiences waiting for you outside of the media is vital. You can be who you want and you can do what you please. However, social media and media in general is not reality. It is mainly a bunch of influencers who are trying to either be someone they're not or...well... influencing. Be yourself and opportunities will come your way.
Creating Distance from Social Media is Hard
"you can do it" ~abby fernandes
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