Trying to do a social media detox but not sure where to start or if it is even possible? Firstly, a social media detox is possible and it doesn’t have to be “social suicide”. Keep on reading to find out how to do a social media detox.
WHAT IS A SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX?
A social media detox is where you stop using social media for a period of time. Commonly a social media detox can last anywhere from 7 days to a whole year.
WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER DOING A SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX?
Taking a social media detox might feel a bit extreme, but there are good reasons for taking a break from social media.
- To focus on being present and living your life in the real world rather than online – Do you spend lots of time scrolling through social media even when you are in the presence of other people? Or are you constantly taking photographs and videos of your day-to-day like and then sharing them online? If you answered yes to either of those questions then a social media detox might be helpful for you. It will give you the opportunity to be present in the real moment.
- To save time – How much time are you currently spending on social media? Most people are rather shocked when they reflect on the time they spend on social media per week. Social media platforms are designed to ensure that once we open the website or app that we stay there for as long as possible. If you are finding yourself struggling to fit everything into your day or week then a social media detox could give you back some precious hours to use more wisely.
- To reduce FOMO (fear of missing out), comparisonitis, feelings of inadequacy etc – Does going onto social media result in you getting feeling of FOMO or inadequacy? Do you find yourself comparing yourself to others and not feeling good enough? If so, then you should definitely consider taking a social media detox.
HOW TO DO A SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX?
- Decide in advance how long you’ll take a social media detox for
The first thing you should decide on is the minimum you’ll take a social media detox for. As mentioned earlier usually a social media detox can last any length of time, but it is important before you start to set the minimum length of time you want your social media detox to last.
- Let other people know
Depending on how you use social media it might make sense to tell some people that you’ll be off social media for the next xx days and how they should get in touch with you if they need to. This isn’t a compulsory step. However, if one of your fears around having a detox is because of feeling as if you might miss an important message then this might help ease that fear.
- Make some plans
Having a social media detox will give you more time and clear head space so use it wisely. If you are worried that all that empty blank time will result in you wanting to open up your preferred social media platform make some plans. Use this time to reconnect with nature, see friends and family or even pursue some more creative activities.
- Delete the social media apps from your phone
It’s time for your social media detox to start, which means it is time to delete your social media apps. You don’t have to delete the apps from your phone, but if they aren’t deleted then you’ll be amazed and at how automatically you’ll pick up your phone and open up an app without even realising. If you decide that deleting the apps is too extreme, then at least rearrange your phone so your apps are not in their usual place (reducing the opening automatically as per your routine) and ideally in the hardest place possible.
- Reflect on your social media detox just before it is ending
As you are coming to the end of your social media detox reflect on the experience. What did you learn from your social media detox? What did you enjoy? What didn’t you enjoy? Do you feel any different? Ideally, write this down and it will hopefully encourage you to use social media in a more productive and positive way going forward or even inspire you to take social media detox more often.
There you have it. You now know how to do a social media detox!
Social media isn’t going to disappear soon and whilst you might not to be ready to say goodbye to social media forever a social media detox can help you to remember what life was like before social media and support you to develop a healthier usage after the detox.
In the comments I would love to hear about your experience of a social media detox.
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