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It's Time You Took A Social Media Detox And Here's Why

17th August 2021

Health Life

17th August 2021

By Beth Shelper

Think about your daily routine. Everything, and we mean pretty much everything, has gone digital.

From your alarm clock now being an app or an Amazon Alexa, to your Apple Pay used to purchase your daily coffee (or three), get you onto public transport and everything in between (aka, social media) our lives are consumed by the digital age.

Social media in particular has led to the growth of endless comparison, perfect picture reels and a constant feed of peers, colleagues and distant ex flames, friends or otherwise living their best lives in Antigua, at the pub or loved up. It’s a constant comparison cycle.

What are the negative effects of social media?

This can lead to feelings of self-doubt, FOMO (fear of missing out, for those out of the loop), low mood, and even disordered eating. Not to mention a serious tension headache from the screen time. Here at Innermost, we’re big believers in taking a detox, taking care of our well-being and relaxing. That’s why we created The Relax Capsules, after all.

Because of these influences, more and more of us are opting to take part in a social media break. A social media detox, if you will. Believe it or not, you’re not alone when it comes to feeling the pressures of social media.

A study published in the European Scientific Journal found that a staggering 88% of users of social media platforms Facebook regularly engaged in upward social comparisons, citing that they felt jealous or inadequate in comparison to their peers. This is just one finding amongst thousands that have identified a clear and strong relationship between social media and self-esteem.

 

How to cut down on social media

Looking for some advice around how to give up social media? You’re in the right place.

Whilst you don’t necessarily have to give up social media altogether (because, let’s face it, it’s a great tool for connecting communities, staying in touch with loved ones and documenting your favourite life moments), there are a heap of great social media detox benefits that suggest that a short break away will do you the world of good.

Following the concerns around social media dependence, a study published by Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking investigated the effects of a social media break. By measuring participant’s individual battery usage on each social media network, the study found that the overall wellbeing of the participants increased following a social media break.

Interestingly, they cited that this most likely is a result of improved sleep quality following a break from the apps.

How to have a social media detox

A social media break can take many forms. There are so many ways to spend your time aside from scrolling online, so we’ve put together a list to inspire you for your upcoming social media holiday.

Our top tips for a successful social media detox

Whilst it can be really difficult to stay away from social media apps as a result of their dominating influence, there are some pretty nifty hacks you can implement to help you.

Set app time limits in your phone settings, turn off your push notifications for certain apps and delete any apps that are particularly problematic for you. Don’t worry – they’re not gone forever. You can redownload them as and when you need.

First, try a three day social media detox, then a seven day stint, and up the time when you feel comfortable. You can do this, we believe in you!

Summary

Now you’ve got the tips and tricks to take your social media break, it’s well and truly time to jet off on that social media holiday you’ve been talking about!

Switch off, get outside, and engage in some self-care. You deserve it.

References

  • Jan, M., Soomro, S., & Ahmad, N. (2017). Impact of social media on self-esteem. European Scientific Journal, 13(23), 329-341. Click here.
  • Graham, S., Mason, A., Riordan, B., Winter, T., & Scarf, D. (2021). Taking a Break from Social Media Improves Wellbeing Through Sleep Quality.  Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 24(6), 421-425. Click here.
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