I, like millions of university students with access to Internet, would consider myself quite active on social media. I wouldn’t go so far as saying I’m addicted, but I will say that it would not be easy for me to completely disconnect. I am guilty of refreshing my Facebook newsfeed multiple times in the hopes of someone posting something interesting, but who isn’t? (Side note: this is apparently called refreshbooking. You learn something new every day.)
But lately, I’ve found social media interferes with my productivity a lot. This is by no means a revolutionary discovery – in fact, social media is most likely the top mode of procrastination for university students (with Netflix coming in at a close second, I presume). I can’t imagine a reader going “WHAT? You mean I failed my midterm because I tweeted and Facebook-stalked instead of studying?”
So I decided to challenge myself. Five days without Facebook, Twitter or Reddit. Was I inspired by Kanye West, who recently deleted all of his tweets and decided to take a twitter hiatus for an undisclosed time period? Perhaps.
One, two, three – log off!
Day 1 – The Deactivation
I considered simply not checking the accounts, but I figured that to prevent all cheating, deactivation would be my best bet. I had a few concerns before I completely eradicated my social media personas though. It would be quite the pain if my data was completely erased. Thankfully, Twitter gives you a 30-day grace period that allows you reactivate at any time and get all of your followers back, as well as your old, embarrassing tweets. And Facebook has an option that allows you to select “This is temporary! I’ll be back!” as a reason for deactivation. I wish I were kidding.
So I took the plunge. Realistically, logging off is not entirely that impressive compared to the people who have never even opened an account, but it must count for something in this day and age.
Day one wasn’t exactly challenging, but I did find myself reaching for my phone to tweet something funny my friends had said, or wanting to post or share a link on someone’s Facebook wall. I also had a lecture that I actually – wait for it – paid attention to! For the entire time!
Day 2
I think this is where I began to like this whole no social media thing. I had two phone conversations with friends in the past 24 hours that had lasted longer than any Facebook chat ever could. I know what you’re thinking – the phone? Why is this girl living in the Stone Age? Next thing you know I’ll be using a pager and sending faxes. But it felt great to catch up without squinting at a computer screen.
I don’t want to say that my productivity had skyrocketed (I do have a Netflix account), but I found that even after 48 hours I was wasting a lot less time. And when I was wasting time, it wasn’t something computer related at all. Who knew you could find time to read for pleasure? (Or watch three episodes of Parks and Recreation…I never said I was perfect).
The only downside is the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) that I suffer from on the regular. Although talking to people on the phone and seeing them in person is wonderful, there is a certain aspect of social media that can make you feel included – whether it’s ridiculous inside jokes on Twitter or being invited to events on Facebook. Even sharing a common laugh on Reddit can brighten your day.
Day 3
One thing I was missing was the ability to read what other people were saying on social media about current events. Take the Oct.16 U.S. Presidential debate – every five minutes the words #jointhediscussion appeared on my TV screen, and it made me so curious. I follow a pretty entertaining batch of people on Twitter, and I wondered what people my age were thinking as well. It’s easy to communicate via other methods, but I would have all these different points of view at the click of a button. In 140 characters or less.
I think it can certainly be insightful to have a look at other people’s opinions. I never really thought about Twitter or Facebook or even Reddit as platforms for serious discussion, (or not so serious discussion – “binders full of women” anyone?) but having zero access to those pages made me realize how powerful they really were in terms of connecting people.
On the other hand, being bombarded with everyone else’s ideas wouldn’t necessarily allow me to think critically. I have a tendency to look at what everybody else is saying about an issue before making up my own mind. I wasn’t as easily swayed with no social media, and focused on what I really thought without any influences.
Day 4
As tacky as it may sound, I also felt more confident that my life isn’t that dull compared to what I see on social media. I’d never really realized that having an account comes with a variety of social pressures. Without constant updates about other people’s bachelorette parties, I didn’t feel as bad about staying in on a Wednesday, and I avoided the feeling that I should have this extravagant social life. I’m not Snooki or the Situation. The real situation is that I have midterms to study for. Did I just make Jersey Shore geeky? Perhaps.
Day 5 – The Verdict
As many people have pointed out to me, giving up social media for a week – Monday to Friday to be exact – is not all that impressive. Upon seeing me texting, one of my friends suggested that I should have given up all forms of communication. This could certainly be more difficult and satisfying, but might also make me look like I’m a fugitive.
Needless to say, I didn’t find it too difficult to block out Twitter, Facebook and Reddit for a week. Despite occasionally wanting to share multimedia with friends, and feeling like I was out of the loop for a few days, nothing in my daily routine drastically changed. Sure, I got more schoolwork done, and listened more attentively in lectures, but this can also be achieved with discipline – something I may need to work on.
On the other hand, these platforms make communication so much easier. Like I said earlier, you have access to what your friends are doing at the click of a button – which is extremely convenient. The reality is that social media personally makes me feel much more included and connected, and I was more lost without it than I’d like to admit.
Like everything else, these websites have their pros and cons. I’m sure I could go another week without them. If anything, this little experiment has taught me that I should probably limit my usage of social media if I want to get anything done before midnight. Or at least stop using it as a go-to when I want to procrastinate (Parks and Recreation marathon anyone?).
So the next time I want to check Facebook – or refreshbook – for the 17th time in a lecture, I’ll certainly think twice.
And that’s got to count for something, right?
Photo Source:
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