Do you find yourself caught in the cycle of endless scrolling? Whether it's Instagram or TikTok, the urge to swipe through post after post can become almost addicting. Despite the temporary relief of putting your phone down, the allure to return is irresistible, as if these apps possess an inexplicable magnetic force. You’re not alone, 20% of the student population was found to have used social media for at least 5 hours per day (Whitley, 2020).
A study conducted in 2016 found that Extensive engagement with social media among younger demographics has shown associations with elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and diminished overall mental and physical health (Lin et al., 2016). This is why prioritizing measures to protect one's well-being against the harmful impacts of excessive social media consumption is important, especially in the age of technology.
One way to adopt strategies to regulate social media consumption is through a Digital Detox, a period characterized by a significant reduction or complete abstention from social media or electronic devices. Methods employed during a Digital Detox may include uninstalling applications, implementing usage curfews, or physically removing devices. Without the constant urge to rely on social media to fill a void of boredom, some people may find themselves replacing their time with productive hobbies and face-to-face socialization. You may even discover a new passion or hobby!
If you think that you’re glued to your phone, try dissolving that unhealthy relationship with a digital detox and you might discover something new about yourself!
Sources:
Lin, L. Y., Sidani, J. E., Shensa, A., Radovic, A., Miller, E., Colditz, J. B., Hoffman, B. L., Giles, L. M., & Primack, B. A. (2016). ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND DEPRESSION AMONG U.S. YOUNG ADULTS. Depression and anxiety, 33(4), 323–331. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22466
Social Media and Mental Health: Time for a Digital Detox? (n.d.). Psychology Today. Retrieved November 26, 2020, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/talking-about-men/202002/social-media-and-mental-health-time-digital-detox
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