Lessons Learned From Not Using Social Media

The health industry has been following the evolution of social media and its effect on our health and over the years many studies have been done to show the effect of it on our brain. Facebook made lead to depression due to social comparison. The LED light on our laptops  and iPads might be keeping us awake. We've been hearing about tech's effect on our health a lot. The question remains: how can we still use it in moderation, enjoy it but not overuse it? The concept is similar to how we eat. Here are some lessons learned. 

1. You cannot possibly be on everything all the time: We've heard a lot about psych theory of F.O.M.O (fear of missing out). We live in a society where we want to be everywhere, see everything and know everyone. Accessibility to all information and almost everyone has created this inner sensation that we need to be superhuman in our communication and that's not the right approach, nor is it a feasible way to live. Here's a suggestion: pick three social networks that you absolutely love surfing, preferably the ones you learn the most from. Allow yourself to engage on their but don't fall into the trap of living your life through social media. 

2. Take ownership of what you're revealing: We've heard the horror stories of people struggling with photos of them from college being discovered at the moment they need a job. I think if we take more ownership of what we do choose to share (and not share) on social media, we'd feel much less residual feelings or regrets. 

3. Learn to disconnect: Just as we have habits for most every other part of our lives, set social media habits. Allow yourself to check it three times per day only for 10 minute periods. This allows you to waste less time, appreciate the allotted periods you have on there and be more thoughtful about what you share. For your sanity, understand that scrolling for a half hour to an hour is never going to be good for your mood, cognitive skills or focus.