Technology

When should you take a break from using social media?

Social media has become an integral part of many people's lives, but if you exhibit any of the following signs, it may be time for you to take a break from using social media for a while.

Administrator

18 October, 2023

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Using social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter… has become a habit of many people, especially young people. Every time you pick up your phone or open your computer, you’re likely to log in to Facebook just to see what’s going on in the world, and even a few minutes without it makes you feel like you’re out of touch. However, we advise you to take a break from using social media for a while if you notice the following signs.

1 Negative aspects of social media

Reduced interaction in daily life

It’s easy to see groups of people sitting next to each other and staring at their phones without talking. Face-to-face conversations are replaced by text messages and colorful emoticons that lack empathy. Some people are so consumed by their virtual lives that they don’t even realize the presence of the person sitting next to them, which can strain relationships.

Wanting more attention on social media

Every day, in addition to thinking about what to eat, the younger generation is concerned about what status to post to get attention from others. This habit has turned into a never-ending “like competition.”

Internet trolls

The online community has become more comfortable with making rude comments on social media and has become more obnoxious than usual. The use of vulgar language, insults, distortions, and derogatory remarks on the internet unwittingly leads to severe consequences in real life. These “keyboard warriors” have made the online world more dangerous than ever.

Comparing oneself to others

Scrolling through Facebook news feeds and seeing the perfect lives of others can make you feel envious and believe that your life is miserable compared to theirs. This creates a social divide where people continue to chase perfection in the virtual world without striving for it in reality.

Insomnia

If you have a habit of browsing social media before going to bed, you should stop right away. The light from electronic screens makes it harder for you to fall asleep. It’s best to keep your phone away from you.

Increased risk of depression

Recent studies have shown that frequent use of social media leads to negative emotions, especially depression, causing users to feel sad and pessimistic about life. Furthermore, negative criticism or comments can mentally torment and eventually lead to illness.

2 Signs that you should take a break from social media

Making elaborate meals just for the sake of a perfect photo

You’re willing to spend time decorating your food to make it look beautiful just for a “stunning” photo to post on social media. The meal is no longer about enjoying it but more about “showing off” to the world. And you’ll feel satisfied if you get lots of likes, or frustrated and upset if you don’t. If you notice this sign, it’s clear that you’re being dominated by the virtual world.

Feeling the need to post on Facebook before doing anything

You might not notice this subtle but abnormal behavior. Posting status updates about what you’re doing or sharing your feelings constantly on social media indicates that you’re relying too heavily on social media.

Feeling jealous and envious when looking at the lives of friends on social media

Your emotions are disturbed by spending too much time comparing your life to others’, resulting in envy and resentment. Looking at other people’s lives makes you feel insecure about yourself, from your appearance to your social status, which affects your relationships. Dr. Pang also suggests that if someone realizes that their friends’ lives on social media are affecting their mood, they should take a break.

By now, you might have noticed that you’re getting blindly caught up in social media, missing out on real conversations and relationships. Challenge yourself for a week or delete apps like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to see if your life will change for the better.