How much time do you spend on social media per day? One hour, two or nine? According to the report by Common Sense Media report, teens and tweens spend up to nine hours per day consuming social media.
I may not be a teen nor tween, but in all honesty, I was not any better. I used to spend at least two hours per day liking, commenting, and watching videos of people whose lives I admired or envied.
The more time I spent on social media, the less connected I was to people and life around me. I was living “online” instead of at the present moment. I grew more anxious, impatient, and nervous every time I was on Instagram. All I cared about was how many likes and comments my latest post got. Likes and comments are a very powerful social currency – they also make you feel validated, loved, and accepted.
After seven years on Instagram, I decided to take a real break. Thirty days off to focus on my family and me. As eye-opening as it was, it was also scary to realize how quickly you get sucked in and addicted. The thing is, even if more and more people use social media, there are still some who don’t. And those who pass on social media, seem happier. For example, my sister, her husband, and 99% of my friends are in the same age group.
I feel that the more you get engaged in the Instagram craze, the less you’re interested in real life. And that’s dangerous. My mom thinks that social media are a conspiracy. The aim is to distract people from the real issues. If you’re focused on the highlight reel of other people’s lives, you have no time to care about what’s happening in the World, how much tropical rainforest was cut under Bolsonaro’s presidency or that there is still famine in the World.
On the other hand, I admit that the problem is not social media. It’s us. It’s easier to focus on “light stuff” instead of pulling our sleeves and get to work.
During my Instagram detox, I unfollowed all people and brands that provoked in me negative feelings. I decided to take my social media consumption in my hands and focus only on people with whom I connect.
Less time on Instagram means that my likes went down. I feel happier and present when I am with my family. And what about you? What is your relationship with social media? Let me know in the comments below.
Want to find out more about this topic? Watch this documentary below:
