How to not be distracted from social media?
In the modern day, it's easy to become engrossed in the unending scroll of social media. We live in times where we are constantly bombarded with photos of picturesque holidays, perfect lifestyles, and seemingly perfect individuals. At times, seeing such posts can be overwhelming, and many of us tend to compare our lives with social media posts. I, too, used to spend hours comparing my life to those of influencers and friends, believing that their lives were perfect while I felt worthless.
It always feels like a need to constantly check the social reels of these influencers. After all, their carefully planned lifestyles makes it difficult to look away. Every reel gives you a taste of an almost flawless world, making us want more and more of it. However, I realised that the digital world is frequently only a highlight reel, not the entire tale. People typically only publish their best moments, creating a picture that is not necessarily accurate to life. Understanding this difference allowed me to break away from the cycle of comparison and find peace with myself.
The comparison trap
Social media relies on likes and comments, which stimulate our dopamine responses. This often results in an excessive obsession with validation from online interactions. Every signal provides a brief burst of happiness, but it rapidly fades, leaving us wanting more and more. This loop can divert our attention away from what is genuinely important in our lives and keep us away from making true connections and having authentic experiences.
Researchers found that spending time on social media negatively impacts ones self-esteem. Additionally, social comparison through social media lead to jealousy, envy and motivate individuals by filling in the gaps of their needs. Excessive time spent on social media also contributed to feeling of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Comparison to others’ seemingly perfect lives, fear of missing out (FOMO), and pressure to conform can impact ones well-being.
FOMO stands for “Fear of Missing Out”, in simple terms means an uneasy feeling you get when you think that others are having fun or doing something exciting without you. FOMO is frequently experienced when you compare your own life to the highlights of others' lives on social media. When you see photos or videos of your friends having fun, it can lead to a sense of jealously and a feeling that you're missing out on something really important that others are experiencing right now.
Identifying Reel Life vs. Real Life
It's very important to remember that social media does not accurately reflect reality. Many people, including some of my very own friends, showcase lifestyles that are far more glamorous than they actually are. This can be dangerous because it creates unreasonable expectations for others.
I used to constantly compare my life to those of others on social media. Every time I logged in, I would check their accounts and then show them to my husband, comparing my life with theirs. My husband was the one who helped me understand how unhealthy this was and how badly it was impacting both of us. It took me some time to realise it, so at the beginning of this year, I unfollowed all the accounts I was addicted to and started following only those who truly motivated me, not the glamorous ones.
I have put down a few tips which I have been following and I think they can help you too to avoid distractions from social media
Tips
Limit Screen Time: Set boundaries for how long you spend on social media each day. Use apps that track usage and remind you when it’s time to log off.
Curate Your Feed: Unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel inadequate. Follow profiles that actually inspire and uplift you instead.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises or meditation to stay focused and reduce the urge to check your phone constantly.
Engage in Offline Activities: Spend your spare time in hobbies, exercise, or spending quality time with loved ones. These activities bring joy without the need for online validation.
Cultivate Gratitude: Focus on the positives in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can shift your mindset from what you lack to appreciating what you have.
Seek Real Connections: Prioritize face-to-face interactions with friends and family. Real-life connections are far more fulfilling than online ones.
Enjoying Your Journey: Accepting that social media is not the whole picture helped me embrace my personal journey. I stopped comparing myself to others and concentrated on my personal development and pleasure. It wasn't easy, but with time and practice, I discovered calm in the simplest aspects of daily life. I began to value the small things, such as a walk in nature or a meaningful chat with a friend, which provided me more delight than any number of likes could.
Regularly reflecting on your feelings and behaviours related to social media can help maintain a healthy balance. This reflection can be done through journaling, talking with a friend, or simply taking time to think about your experiences.
Remember, Social media might help us connect, but it should never determine our self-worth. True peace comes from within, not from how many likes or followers we have. By taking a step back and focusing on what truly matters, we can achieve long-term satisfaction and pleasure.
