Ever considered a Digital Detox? It’s like hitting the reset button on a whirlwind of likes and endless scrolling. This blog’s your guide—figuring out if a social media fast is what you need and nailing down the how-to of pulling it off like a pro!
Facts on Social Media Addiction
Here are a few quick facts about social media addiction: (source: Cross River Therapy)
- For Americans aged 30-49, over 50% are addicted to social media
- Women spend more time on social media
- Facebook and YouTube are the most popular social media platforms
- The average person has 8-9 social media accounts
- Over 50% of Americans ages 30-49 feel anxiety when they cannot access their social media accounts.
- Most people report feeling lonely without social media
Basically, social media has many of us in a chokehold!
What are the Benefits of Social Media?
Let’s be real—social media’s a powerhouse. As a Blogger and Venue Sourcing Pro, it’s been my playground for making connections and boosting my business. Facebook’s basically my hangout for the real deal with friends and family. TikTok’s become a new fave because, hey, it’s low-key fun. Instagram’s taken a backseat lately, simply because I’m vibing more with Facebook and TikTok. I used to be post consistently on LinkedIn as well until I recently took a break. Basically, I’m on the whole social media rollercoaster! Each platform’s got its own space in my life and business.
But, here’s the scoop: I’ve had my fair share of a not-so-healthy social media fling. Hours spent scrolling, chasing that audience growth—exhausting! I was all in on the follower race, trying to crack the algorithm code. It seemed like a win, but truth be told, I was losing out too. My mental wellness took a hit, silently in the background.
I liked to tell myself that I had a good hold on how I used social media. That was proven to be a lie. Social media was starting to control me in a negative way and I had to do something about it. A digital detox was my answer.
Is Social Media Bad for Mental Health?
Let’s face it—social media is the ultimate connector. It’s everywhere, on our phones, tablets, laptops—glued to our fingertips. Stats claim we spend about 2.5 hours a day on it, but honestly, feels like more, right? Yet, it’s supposed to be all fun and connection.
But for me, sometimes it’s a sneaky little habit. I start scrolling and suddenly, hours vanish. And man, it can mess with my head—cue the anxiety and the comparison game. It’s tricky, because we often think we’ve got it all handled, but do we really?
Let’s cut the data and surveys for a sec—ask yourself: Does social media lift you up or bring you down? Does it zap your productivity? Maybe even a sneaky addiction in there? And honestly, what do you really get out of it? It’s time to take stock and see if social media’s adding any real value to your life.
Here’s the real deal: when used purposefully, social media isn’t a mental health villain. But if it’s hitting you with negative vibes personally, that feeling deserves some serious attention.
Using Social Media for Business
If you’re in the social media business world (or an influencer), you’ve heard the endless advice from the experts—’be consistent, post daily, engage like crazy!’ It’s like a laundry list of ‘must-dos’ for success. I’ll be honest, it’s draining.
Sure, work demands hustle, but social media’s a whole different ball game. Algorithms and unpredictability rule the show. Ever seen an account blow up overnight? It’s that wild card factor—sometimes, it’s just luck. Keeping up with these ever-changing ‘success’ rules? Exhausting, to say the least.
But hey, is there a way out of this whirlwind? Can we actually enjoy social media and still smash our business goals? I’m all about intentionality—finding that sweet spot where social media works for you without turning into an addiction fuel. It’s the way forward in this social media maze.
What is a Digital Detox
A digital detox is a decision to spend less time online. A digital detox can include limiting your use of smartphones, computers, and social media platforms. Since I know social media has many of us in a chokehold, I am focusing this post on restricting your use of social media platforms.
Do You Need a Digital Detox
If social media is holding you back in any way it is time to consider fasting from social media. Social media can be a bit of a mixed bag, you know? It’s all about staying connected, but sometimes it’s a total distraction from what we are really trying to achieve in life. It is meant to help us work better and stay in touch, but now it’s elbowing its way into our goals and plans. It’s weird, right? It says it’ll make us faster and more efficient, but then it sneaks in and messes with our focus.
6 Signs You Need a Social Media Fast or Digital Detox?
Questions to ask yourself to know if you need a digital detox:
- Are you opening your social media apps right after you open your eyes?
- Do you feel major FOMO (fear of missing out) when you do not have access to social media?
- Does scrolling on social media dredge up negative feelings for you?
- Does scrolling social media apps take up too much time in your day?
- Has social media ever prevented you from completing an important task?
- Does the thought of fasting from social media feel impossible?
If you answered yes to 1 or more of these questions, a digital detox aka a social media fast is for you!
12 Ways to stop Social Media from Becoming a Bad Habit (for business and personal purposes)
1. Admit if you are addicted to social media.
Even if you are an influencer or use social media for business, you can still be considered addicted. Don’t let “I’m working” be an excuse for why you ignore an addiction to social media. I really like how Psychology Today takes you through the steps to see if you are addicted to something. Check it out!
2. Use Social Media Intentionally
Before you even open the app, have a plan. I know you may be thinking it’s not that serious, but it really is. Are you searching for something specific? Is your plan to catch up with your friends? Are you posting content? Trying to engage with your audience or attempting to build new connections? Are you responding to messages? Whatever it is, go in with a plan. This will stop you from scrolling aimlessly for hours.
3. Set a timer for your social media apps
Most phones have a useful feature that lets you control how much time you spend on apps. Think about your day—work hours, break times—and slot in when you can realistically hang out on the app. Maybe set it for, like, 20 or 30 minutes a pop. Then, how many times a day? Do the math, set your limit, and voilà! Once you hit that cap, you will not be able to open the app without altering your timers. Stay strong, though—it’s like a challenge not to sneak in more time, especially on the weekends. Balance is key, right? Stay connected without losing sight of your goals!
4. Do not visit other accounts to compare their life or stats to yours
Avoid falling into the comparison trap. Make a habit of visiting other accounts to consume positive messages or to interact in positive ways.
Your journey and account are unique—never compare them to others’. Remember, social media often showcases only selective glimpses of someone’s life. Focus on your own growth without mirroring anyone else’s path.
5. Plan your content on social media
For bloggers and influencers, content planning is your secret sauce. When you’ve got a plan, you’re intentional about your social media game, and that naturally cuts down on mindless scrolling time. Consider apps like “Planoly” for Instagram, it’s a gem for arranging your grid and scheduling posts. “Later” is another cool one that works for multiple platforms, helping you organize and schedule content hassle-free. “Trello” is like your digital vision board, perfect for planning out your blog posts or campaigns. And of course, “Canva” isn’t just for designs; it’s a powerhouse for planning and creating content too. These tools make it easier to map out your posts, stay on track, and give you more time to enjoy social media without getting lost in it.
6. Don’t use the app in the car.
Obviously, texting while driving is illegal, but if you are like me, you probably open a Facebook or Instagram app at stop lights or in standstill traffic. This simple step is just another way to stop social media from being the first thing on your mind during downtime.
7. Commit to not using social media before a certain time.
This one goes in conjunction with the social media app timers. Commit to only getting on your social app after a certain time. This will prevent you from waking up and immediately going to your social media apps. This was me. If I woke up in the middle of the night, I would open an app, SMH. Instead, decide that you will not get on the apps until you have completed your morning routine and/or at least one item from your to-do list.
8. Commit to getting off social media by a certain time
As with #7, commit to not being on social apps after a certain time. Quit staying up and scrolling on social media all night. This could even lead to making your bed a “no social media” zone. This one could save some relationships!
9. Disassociate likes and self-worth from Social Media.
Rethink how you react to likes. Seriously, they’re not the be-all and end-all! I stumbled upon this gem: “Your audience’s reaction isn’t your success meter.” Hit me hard because, yup, I used to equate likes with success. But hey, they’re just numbers, not your worth or success barometer. Let’s break free from the like trap and focus on what truly counts—your awesome self and your real wins, not those vanity metrics!
10. Play smart when using social media.
Social media isn’t meant to feel like a job, unless, well, it’s your actual job. Even if you use social media for your business, those ‘how-to’ rules? Sometimes more stress than they’re worth. Your mental health beats trying to fit into ever-changing standards. Everyone claims secret success tips, but seriously? You’ll drive yourself nuts chasing them all. Be smart about your social goals and don’t burn out—your sanity’s worth more!
11. Get rid of negativity IMMEDIATELY!
Remember, if it doesn’t bring you joy nix it/them! I love the “hide” feature on social media which allows you to stop seeing someone’s content without the more final step of blocking, unfriending, or unfollowing. Don’t get it twisted, some people may need to be permanently blocked, but “hide” works great in less serious situations.
12. Start a Digital Detox
It is very healthy to take a break from social media, even if only to prove that you do not need it to survive. You may decide to take a break every quarter or every other month, the frequency is up to you. Like me, you will likely feel it in your conscience when it is time to take a break. Don’t be like me and ignore that voice.
How to Start a Digital Detox
When it comes to taking a break from social media, it’s all about finding your groove. Start small—maybe it’s an hour or two without scrolling, or hey, even a whole day or multiple days off the grid! Find what works for you. And you know what? It’s totally okay to let people know you’re taking a breather. If you need to, post a little message to let your followers know you are going to be gone for some time and how to keep in touch.
A digital detox or fasting from social media is like permitting yourself to take that break while keeping your focus on what matters. Use that time to do things you love, catch up on hobbies, strengthen your relationships with others and God, or simply chill without the endless scroll. Trust me, a little fast from social media can do wonders for recharging your batteries and keeping your goals in sight!
Turning a Digital Detox into a Spiritual Journey
Fasting from social media is much like any other fast, such as fasting from food. You give up something and replace it with something else. In this case, you would be giving up social media and spending more time with God, such as through prayer, reading the Bible or consuming other spiritual content.
You can allow God to lead you in determining how long to fast from social media. There is no specific requirement, but you will know when you need more or less time. Start by setting aside quiet time for prayer each day of your fast. It’s like having a heart-to-heart with God. Maybe journal or dive into some good reads, like flipping through the Psalms, or you can watch/listen to Godly videos and podcasts. If YouTube is included in the apps you are fasting from, you will want to utilize other apps like Spotify to listen to podcasts.
Remember, fasting from social media is not just about logging off; it’s about plugging into something deeper. Each time you get the urge to log onto your social media apps, be diligent and divert your attention to something spiritual. Reflect on what truly matters in life, connect with your faith, and see how it transforms your life. It’s like hitting the reset button not just for your online habits, but for your soul too. Embrace the silence, feel the peace, and let that spiritual recharge set the tone for smashing your goals with a fresh mindset!
The Wrap-Up
Even if you currently think you have a healthy relationship with social media, I highly recommend taking a real look at how you use social media and how it truly impacts your life. Don’t be like me and let it slowly take control of you.
A Prayer for Your Digital Detox and Social Media Use
If you are a praying person like me, pray this prayer over yourself to seek God’s help in handling social media the right way:
God, thank you for social media and the positive benefits it can have in my life. But, guide me in using social media in a healthy way. Make me more aware of where I need to make changes. Help me not to connect my self-worth, value, or definition of success to social media. Give me the strength to be in control of how I use social media.
(For those using social media for business, include this next part)
Bless my efforts to grow my business and audience through social media. Give me impactful ideas for content with a never-ending flow of ideas. Show me when and what to post. Allow me to connect with my people. Help me to add value in everything I do on social media. Help me to believe that what is for me is for me and to never compare myself to another. I thank you for the gifts you have placed inside of me and believe you are doing great things through me! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Scripture for Your Digital Detox
Proverbs 4:25-27 says, “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”
Your Turn
How do you feel about a Digital Detox?
Are you planning a digital detox? Will this be your first fast? How do you feel about it?
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If you spend time on social media, you have probably found yourself comparing your own life to your friends, family, total strangers, and celebs. You might find yourself thinking that everyone else seems to be leading a fuller, richer, or more exciting life based on the tiny, curated glimpse you see on their Instagram or Facebook posts. As the saying goes, comparison really can be the thief of joy. Detoxing from your social connections can be a good way to focus on what’s important in your own life without comparing yourself to others.
This part of your comment stuck out to me “Detoxing from your social connections can be a good way to focus on what’s important in your own life without comparing yourself to others.”! This is the message everyone needs to catch. There is no prize in comparison! Thanks for your comment.