The average social media user spends around two and a half hours a day on social channels, leading to a growing interest in social media cleanses or detoxes.
Studies have linked social media use and overuse with depression, anxiety, loneliness, and increased stress, making it important to take a break from social media to improve well-being.
While a social media detox can be a good starting point, it is important to address underlying issues and behaviors that may be contributing to excessive social media use.
Many social media users have experienced positive effects from taking a break, including increased energy and emotional balance.
Social media addiction can have negative impacts on both mental and physical health, including feelings of loneliness and anxiety, poor sleep quality, and eye strain.
Taking a break from social media involves setting boundaries, replacing social media with other activities, staying connected in other ways, and being mindful of triggers.
People today spend more time on social media than ever before. According to a 2022 study by Smart Insights, the average social media user spends around two and a half hours a day on social channels.
This has led to a growing interest in social media cleanses, also known as detoxes. A social media detox is a period of time during which one abstains from using social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
While some people may choose to detox for only a few days, others may go for up to 30 days.
The Benefits of a Social Media Detox
Studies have linked social media use and overuse with depression, anxiety, loneliness, and increased stress.
Taking a break from social media can help improve one’s well-being and alleviate these negative effects.
For instance, a study by the University of Bath in the UK found that taking a one-week break from social media led to self-reported positive effects on the well-being, depression, and anxiety of the 154 social media users surveyed.
Similarly, a study from Denmark showed that quitting Facebook for a week resulted in increased life satisfaction and more positive emotions among participants.
However, the effectiveness of social media detoxes is not clear-cut. Theda Radtke, a professor of psychological health and applied diagnostics at the University of Wuppertal in Germany, explains that the evidence is mixed.
In a review of various studies on the topic, her team found “promising results” in terms of reducing social media usage and depression symptoms.
However, other results were less clear, and control groups were often lacking.
The Importance of Going Deeper Than a Detox
While a social media detox can be a good starting point for those who believe their use of social media is interfering with their lives, Radtke suggests that it is also important to examine one’s own behavior and address the underlying issues.
For example, is one reading every Facebook or Twitter post, or is a partner using their phone in front of them?
Radtke advises taking the time to analyze one’s own behavior and plan how to regulate it.
In her own research, Maria Syvertsen has found that taking breaks from social media is often not a quick fix.
Many people find it difficult and unsatisfactory due to the level of connectivity they are used to, which demands a lot of self-discipline.
Therefore, while logging off for a while may have an impact, it is important to temper expectations and take steps to delve deeper.
Social media can also be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, which can have serious and long-lasting effects on mental health.
The Experiences of Social Media Users
Mehret Biruk, a writer, initially returned to Instagram to promote her website and newsletter, in which she writes about the benefits of spending less time online.
However, she found herself getting sucked back in and losing two hours of her life to Instagram.
She realized that Instagram was “winning the war on her attention” and decided to take a break from the platform.
Similarly, in August, actor Tom Holland announced that he was taking a break from Twitter and Instagram due to their overstimulating and overwhelming nature.
Singer Lizzo and actor Selena Gomez have also previously taken breaks from social media.
Korkor Kanor, a public relations executive, had been on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat but found that they had become overwhelming and time-consuming.
She would turn off notifications but found herself returning due to messages she received from people. Kanor took a break from Twitter and Instagram for around nine months and noticed that she had more energy and was more emotionally balanced.
She now uses social media differently and intends to schedule regular breaks from it.
Similarly, management consultant Sneha Morjaria, who was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, found that social media was making her stressed and affecting her relationships.
She decided to take a break from social media and noticed a significant improvement in her mental health. She advises others to do the same if they are feeling overwhelmed.
The impact of social media on mental health has been a topic of discussion for several years now.
While it has undoubtedly brought people closer together and allowed them to connect with others, it has also been linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
The rise of social media has created a world where we are constantly connected and bombarded with information.
We feel the need to keep up with the latest trends, stay in touch with friends and family, and share our own lives with the world.
This constant need for validation and attention can take a toll on our mental health.
Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
Research has shown that excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
People who spend a lot of time on social media are more likely to compare themselves to others and feel inadequate.
They may also experience FOMO (fear of missing out), leading to a constant need to check their feeds.
Social media can also be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, which can have serious and long-lasting effects on mental health.
The anonymity provided by social media can embolden bullies, and the 24/7 nature of social media means that victims can never really escape.
In addition to the negative impact on mental health, social media addiction can also lead to physical health problems.
Spending too much time staring at screens can lead to eye strain, headaches, and poor sleep quality.
Taking a Break from Social Media
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by social media, it may be time to take a break.
Many people have found that disconnecting from social media for a period of time has had a positive impact on their mental health.
When you take a break from social media, you give yourself the opportunity to disconnect from the constant noise and reconnect with yourself.
You can use this time to focus on your own interests and hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and just relax.
How to Take a Break from Social Media
If you decide to take a break from social media, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier:
Set boundaries: Decide how long you want to take a break and stick to it. Consider deleting social media apps from your phone or using website blockers to help you stay away.
Replace social media with other activities: Find other activities to fill your time, such as reading, exercising, or spending time outdoors.
Stay connected in other ways: If you want to stay connected with friends and family, consider other ways of communicating, such as phone calls, text messages, or video chats.
Be mindful of triggers: Be aware of situations or people that might trigger your urge to check social media, and be prepared with alternative activities to distract yourself.
In Conclusion
Social media can have both positive and negative effects on mental health.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by social media, taking a break may be just what you need to prioritize your mental health and well-being.
By setting boundaries, replacing social media with other activities, staying connected in other ways, and being mindful of triggers, you can take a step back from social media and focus on what really matters.
