Social media addiction is associated with any of the following symptoms.
- You spend a lot of time on social media.
- By using it, you can reduce negative emotions.
- You gradually use it more and more to get the same pleasure.
- If you can’t use social media, you suffer distress.
- Social media usage sacrifices other responsibilities or harms other parts of your life.
Social media is a very addictive tool for a lot of us. However, do not worry. I have the remedy for you. In this article, I will show you how you can cure your social media addiction while still enjoying using it.
Step 1. – Delete social media apps just for 1 day
There’s been a lot of talk about 30-day social media detoxes. If you want to reset your relationship with your phone and computer, quitting social media for 30 days isn’t bad – it’s just not realistic.
Starting small is the key to behavior change. Otherwise, you’ll give up and fail, returning to the old you. Let’s start by deleting Instagram, Facebook, and any other social media apps from your phone for a day.
It’ll be easy and doable, but you’ll also get a feel for life without constant dopamine. After doing the 1-day delete, I can tell you it’s a nice change and makes it easier to follow these tips.
Step 2. – Unsubscribe and unfollow useless accounts
According to the saying, you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Nowadays, it’s more accurate to say you’re the average of all your inputs. Once you’ve taken a break from social media, you’ll be able to evaluate what is bringing you real value more accurately. Get rid of accounts on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc., and other sites that distract you and don’t give you any value.
Don’t worry. You can resubscribe later if you change your mind. In the end, these platforms are just tools. I love Twitter, but I’ve unfollowed all the funny accounts that don’t provide me any value. Now I only follow accounts that help me improve my business, finance, and workouts. To tell the truth, I look at these people as if they were my teachers.
Credit: smartinsights.com
Step 3. – Switch off attention-grabbing notifications
Organize your phone to maximize productivity and minimize distractions. Don’t let social media apps send you notifications. No notifications on the lock screen, no badges, and no sounds. That way, you won’t get distracted by likes, comments, and other useless things you don’t really need. Don’t let distracting emails clutter up your inbox as well. Set up strict rules in your email account to filter all useless emails from social media sites.
Step 4. – Put your mobile away from your eyes
With this simple trick, you’ll definitely spend less time on your phone. It is my habit to remove my phone from the table or desk while working. This is because I’m much more likely to unintentionally pick up the device and check for any new updates when it’s left there. Instead, I keep it in another room or somewhere else out of sight.
Step 5. – Use apps to keep your usage under control
Start by moving the apps of the home screen. This will make searching for them more of a hassle, hopefully, enough of a friction point to make you aware if you’re acting impulsively.
In addition, both iOS and Android devices come with features that limit your time on certain apps. I use Screen Time on my iPhone to limit my time spent on social media and other distracting apps. With Focus, I block any predefined distracting websites from all my browsers on my computer.
To sum up
It’s probably not the first time you’ve heard about social media addiction and been urged to curb your use. No need to quit, but a controlled relationship rather than a compulsive one will be better for you.
As a result of this healthier approach, you’ll not only be more effective and productive, but you’ll also be happier and less stressed.