Are We Addicted To Social Media?
This is a question we have asked ourselves over and over again in recent months, but we always seem to pass it off as “Oh, it’s just because we’ve been in lockdown for so long so we’re used to having to catch up with friends through apps” or “it’s fine, we only use it for a little bit and all we're doing is just scrolling.”
By Erin O’Connor
How many times have you talked yourself into feeling better about the amount of time you spend on your phone or laptop? I know I have, countless times.
It was only when I started getting notifications of my screen time pop up on my lock screen that really brought it home to me. During lockdown, my screen time was upwards of 6 hours a day. Often 8, on occasion even 10 hours. That is horrendous.
I would have never considered myself addicted though, as I would give myself the classic excuse “yeah but it’s fine, because I don’t need social media. I just use it for my job, connect with my friends, and to unwind. I can put my phone down whenever I want.”
“There was a deeper emotional response to the message they were trying to convey - how a lot of what we do on social media is no longer in our control”
I recently watched The Social Dilemma on Netflix (I highly recommend you watch it if you can), and while a lot of what they were talking about I had already known on an intellectual level (e.g. the way algorithms work to feed you similar content that you already consume), there was a deeper emotional response to the message they were trying to convey - how a lot of what we do on social media is no longer in our control, and we need to become more aware of how we interact on technology and not let it take over our lives.
Credit: @thesocialdilemma/Instagram
There is definitely a much bigger conversation to be had here, about what is really happening when scroll, click and like, and also about how the big social media platforms need to operate in a more humane way.
However, there are things that we all can do to change our social media habits:
1. Turn off your notifications
This might seem so simple, maybe too simple, but it can actually be so beneficial in the long run. Every time your phone buzzes, your eyes instantly dart to what pops up on the screen. Even if it’s just one of those system update notifications or a news blast, that is enough to divert your attention away from the present moment and can make it harder to concentrate on what you’re doing.
You might be thinking at this point, but what if I miss something important? I totally get you, I had the same concerns before doing it. However, turning off your notifications doesn’t mean that you’re going to forget or miss everything that is happening in your life. What will happen is that you’ll consciously choose to engage with the things that are important to you, rather than having your attention ping pong from one thing to the other chaotically all day.
2. Consciously click
In the same vein, try not to go down all those rabbit holes when content is ‘recommended’ to you. I’ve been there - one short video on YouTube on house makeovers then next thing you know I’ve sat in the same position for 2 hours consuming all kinds of content that I didn’t set out to watch in the first place.
Next time you’re served these ‘recommended’ videos, slow down a little and think about what you intended on watching or consuming in that moment. Practicing this conscious choice will help you to avoid wasting hours of time online.
3. Fact check
We’re living in an age where opinions and conspiracy theories seems to be more prevalent than actual news. Now, this is definitely something for a wider conversation, however as individuals what we can do is this: when we are presented with news/content online, read various sources on the same subject. Not only will this help you to build a bit of a better picture of what’s going on, but it’s also a great opportunity to expand your mind and perspective.
4. Expose yourself to people whose opinions differ from yours
Similarly, think about following or engaging with people whose opinions or perspectives might differ to you. This might seem strange at first, and you might be asking “but why would I follow someone if I fundamentally disagree with them?”
Exposing ourselves to other perspectives and opinions might seem counterintuitive, but it helps us to develop a deeper understanding on how others are led to think and believe, and may help us develop deeper empathy and compassion for others.
There’s already a lot of dichotomy, tension and conflict being spread out there, so as individuals let's start to prioritise real connection, truer empathy and compassion. Even if you don’t agree with everything they say or do.
5. Think about putting ‘time’ or ‘location’ budgets on your social media usage
Finally, consider putting time and location budgets on your social media usage. What I mean by this is give yourself specific times throughout the day where you can check in with what your friend’s are doing on Instagram, answer your emails, read the latest news. Same goes for location - allow yourself certain spaces around the home where you can use your technology, and think about keeping other spaces completely technology free. One great place to keep tech free is the bedroom - there’s so much research and data on the harm that blue light emitted from our screens can do to our sleep hygiene, so try leaving your phone away from your bedroom and perhaps get an alarm clock instead.
It’s so important that we start to redefine our relationship with social media - if not using it isn’t a feasible option, we can at least learn to use it more mindfully.
If you want to watch Netflix’s “The Social Dilemma” follow this link (Please note - this is not sponsored content we just found the show very interesting!)
ERIN O’CONNOR
Erin is a writer based in London. When’s she’s not attending a space rave, or attempting to make her own face scrub she is writing about anything and everything to do with wellbeing and mindfulness.
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