Social media has become our go to space for any kind of networking. So much so that imagining our lives without social media seems to be a long shot, even impossible for most people.
There are plenty of upsides to online connection, however it is important to find balance with the constant flurry of input from friends, family, celebrities, and brands constantly vying for our attention. It is equally important to face the world as is instead of faking it in the denial and pretense of social media.
Social Media And Its Affect On Mental Health
Scrolling through the feeds of different social media accounts is a natural build to push over boredom and languor. It is absolutely okay to seek comfort on social media every once in a while however, sole dependency on it may have adverse affects on our mental health. Social media often times promote negative experiences for instance the inadequacy about your life, physical appearance or lack in any other aspect. Several studies have also found that there is a strong link between heavy social media and an increased rate of depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and in some cases even suicidal thoughts. A few other negative affects of social media are:
- Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO)
- Cyber bullying
- Self-absorption
- Feeling of loneliness
Benefits Of Taking A Break From Social Media
A social media cleanse is a Gen-Z and fancy term for taking a break from social media. Social media glamorizes the idea of even brushing your teeth in the morning. Trends are set every day and the old ones are altered every other day. We are so used to to the world of social media that we have started to portray a fake life of ours over the internet. A person may have a very dull day but the same person would reflect it with sheer enthusiasm as if they are having the best day ever. Therefore, it is very important to find a balance and not let social media take over our existence. Here are a few benefits of taking a break from social media.
1. Protects your privacy
With real time update of your social and personal lives on the internet, privacy bares the cost. It is very important to not let all your cards open on the table. What ever privacy you maintain is only going to benefit you over time. The more to publicize your life, the more control people have over your private life. Taking a break from the social media is only going to help you in finding a purpose and even yourself.
2. Less competitive feeling
As you may post on social media, others do as well. Seeing someone happy and gay on the internet tends to have a jealous and competitive feeling against them. However, what is to think is the fact that all that glitters is not gold. There is a high chance that the other person is not living such a merry life. Cutting off social media for some time is going to aid for a better mental health and peace.
3. Improves Overall Mood
With zero negativity around, it is deemed obvious to feel good about your self and life. Social media tends to make believe that pretense is the new cool. According to mental health experts, the amount of time you spend on social media applications and website is related to whether you are stressed out or happy. Therefore, taking a break from social media doesn’t sound like bad plan after all.
4. Re-connection With The Real World
In today’s time, it has become easier to connect with people from behind the screens than to do it in person. This can be ideal in instance of introverts however, it has become a reality. People who spend a lot of time on social media are reported to be more lonely. With a disconnection with the social media world, a person gets the time to reconnect with the real world. In this practice is discovered the difference between the real and reel life and lifestyle.
5. Time To Do Other Things
There are different people with different hobbies. Ever since social media took over our lives, our hobbies have taken a back seat. In the ideal time, a person often times just scrolls through social media apps instead of maybe reading a book, dancing or even walking. A break from social media allows a person of the time where they can be more productive and encouraged.
