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COMBATING SOCIAL MEDIA FATIGUE
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Combating Social Media Fatigue
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Original article posted on Psychology Today. Social media is a great way to stay connected to family and friends, especially during the age of social distancing. However, the platforms are often also saturated with strong opinions and negativity. The constant access to information and opinions adds to the overall noise in our lives. Too much exposure can cause fatigue, frustration and a negative outlook on the world.
It’s important to check-in with yourself and assess your personal social media use. How much time do you spend on social media each day? What kind of people are you engaging with on social media? What kinds of conversations are you having? How do you feel while you’re using the apps? How do you feel once you log off?
If you’re noticing that you’re spending too much time or that your usage is causing negative feelings, it’s time to take a break. In a world that’s constantly connected, it’s okay to give yourself permission to disconnect.
A simple way to give yourself a social media break is to remove the distraction by putting your phone in another room. By removing the temptation physically, you’re allowing yourself space to engage in the present and disconnect virtually. You can apply this technique by creating “phone free zones” in your house, like at the dinner table or the bedroom. You can also take it one step further and designate phone free days. Phone free days provide you with opportunities to connect with family in person or focus on nature.
Reducing social media usage doesn’t mean you need to reduce your interaction with others. There are certain conversations that may be even more meaningful if done off line. In a world where text messages, posts and emails are abundant, a phone call where you can hear someone’s tone can go a long ways.
Social media only provides us with a snapshot of the world, and it’s not always an accurate or positive representation. Reduce your usage and see how it impacts your overall happiness. Maybe this is the break you need right now.
