1. Take a Break
Three big benefits of taking a break from social media
Have you ever stopped to think about how much time people these days spend on social
media? The technological advances of today have put our whole world right at our finger tips. It
can sometimes be hard to remember what life was like before smart phones. The presence of
social media in our lives is so normal, that we do not always see the effects it has on us. I sat
down and thought over this question: “What negative effects are coming from my use of social
media?” I then decided to take a break. I did not deactivate any of my accounts, but I simply
took the apps off of my phone for one week. I found this challenge to be difficult at first; then I
began to see the benefits of this break.
Quality Time Spent-How many times have you looked around a public place (such as a
restaurant) and seen a group of people who came together all looking at their phones? Taking
social media out of the picture provides the opportunity to actually spend quality time with
those around you. During my break, I realized how many times I used social media as an escape
from a conversation. We use it as a security blanket to avoid being personable. The benefit here
is that you are forced into having real conversations and caring about what another person has
to say. Quality time with loved ones is taken for granted far too often. Spend time with those
around you while you have the opportunity.
Self-Esteem-Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Social media is the
center of comparing oneself to another. If you are constantly on social media and looking at
others in comparison to yourself, you will find that someone will always have a cuter outfit, a
better body, a perfect smile, and more likes than you. I found it extremely beneficial to my self-
esteem and general happiness to not have to put myself through that. No one is a better you
than you! It is hard to see yourself as the amazing individual you are if you are constantly
looking at others instead.
Extra Time- I never realized how much time social media took from me. Everyone uses it to
procrastinate. During my week-long break, I found that I became more productive with my
schoolwork, went to bed at a more decent time, and had more time in the mornings to get to
class. Social media can distract you for hours at a time if you let it. Replace the time you would
normally spend scrolling through your feed with something productive.
There are many other benefits to taking a break from social media that may vary from
person to person. Thanksgiving and Christmas break are both perfect times to also take a break
from social media. Get in some quality time with your family. Instagram will always be waiting
for you, so enjoy your loved ones while you have them.