You need not suffer from social media addictions anymore!

Social media addictions are very present in our daily lives whether we notice them or not. At times we may find ourselves scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, etc. We may think that spending a few minutes will not hurt. It may mean nothing.

However, on the contrary, spending “a few minutes” on social media can lead to spending several hours on it. Or the fact that spending a few minutes at a time on any social media platform can add up to quite a substantial amount of time added up too.

Signs of social media addiction

If you don’t know whether you are addicted to social media or not, here is a mini checklist for you to go through. If you check off the majority of the points listed here, you’ll know for yourself that you’re addicted.

a. Checking your social media accounts first thing you wake up

Every time you wake up in the morning, instead of washing your face and brushing your teeth, your attention is diverted elsewhere first. And that is dedicated to checking your social media channels first.

b. Checking your social media platforms during work hours

If you work as a social media exec (or in a media company in general), then this doesn’t apply to you. This applies to people who don’t work as social media execs or in the media industries.

You’ll find that you check your social media accounts between work and project breaks. It’s like your life depends on it and it’s your lifeblood. Without it, it seems like your life will end then and there.

c. Feeling anxious when you cannot check your social media

You have a desperate need to check your social media pages and platform. It’s like a feeling within you tugging at you to check your social media platforms right this moment.

d. Overthinking and over planning your social media posts

Most people say they don’t care or plan about what they post on their own social media pages. However, of all these people who openly say it, most aren’t even truthful about it. These people, along with the genuinely addicted people, will spend a massive amount of time planning their social media posts.

We are not just talking about taking several different shots. We are talking about deleting, editing, and re-editing their social media content.

e. Neglecting your hobbies

If you used to have a hobby outside of your social media platform, you’ll find that you’ve neglected it. You’ve ditched your hobbies for your social media postings and surfing sessions. What a waste of time spent, to be honest.

How do you tackle social media addiction then?

It’s a lot easier said than done. Here are some ways you can deal with it.

1. Switch off background notifications

For you to detach yourself from social media is to not have its notifications light up every few minutes. Switch the notifications off (in your phone’s settings for apps). It’s distracting when you keep seeing new notifications keep popping up.

When you don’t have new notifications popping up, it’s easier for you to not open your social media app. Also, think about how will these notifications help you mentally and emotionally in your life at?

2. Don’t have your phone by you when you sleep

When some people sleep, they have their phones by their bedside. If not, it’s usually within their arms’ reach anyway. That is one form of distraction too. Put your phone on the other side of the room if you have to. That way you don’t have to keep checking it every few minutes or so.

3. Exclude your phone from your morning routine

Every morning when you wake up, practice not making a habit to pick up your phone or devices. Focus your attention elsewhere – like getting ready for work, having breakfast, and whatnot.

You’ll never know what you’ll see first thing when you wake up. It could be something unsavoury and distasteful. You don’t want to start the day in a bad mood, do you?

4. Give less importance to your social media presence

You decide how your life goes and that includes how to handle your social media “appearances”. Who cares what online people think of your online presence? What do you hope to get out of online profiles? Satisfaction perhaps? If satisfaction and having your ego stroked is what you’re hoping to get out of it, then there are other ways to do it. Even then, having your ego stroked is stupid anyway.

5. Delete your social media accounts and profiles

If all else fails, delete your social media profiles and platforms. If you really cannot control your social media urges, then what else is best other than deleting it completely. If you wish to take it one step further, change your smartphone into an old analogous phone.

You will miss out on a lot of things but who cares? Who cares if it’s disturbing your peace of mind? No one needs extra baggage in their life, not especially when it comes in the form of social media usage.

Key Takeaway

There are plenty of ways to control your social media usage. The key point is in having very good self-control. Don’t let social media control your life.

Lydia is a content writer under Headliner by Newswav, a programme where content creators get to tell their unique stories through articles and at the same time monetize their content within the Newswav app.
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