We have all done it. Waited up past our bedtime anxiously waiting for that single snap to continue our Snapchat streak. Whenever we are alone in a room of unknown people, we turn to our phones, for comfort. When we are stopped at red light, the first thing we reach for is our phone.
We are growing up in a culture, where we cannot stand the thought of being alone. Social media compounds this idea, as it never allows for a time of self reflection, because why make time for alone time when you can virtually be connected to anyone at any given time.
Our brains are constantly processing information, and with social media, it makes it harder for our brains to keep up, I compare it to pollution in our brains.
Ways we can solve this issue, is take time off of our screens. Allow times of reflection. When coming home after a stressful day at work or school, Instead of instantly checking social media devices, instead pick up a book. Allow your head to clear by going for a walk or going to the gym to clear your head. Instead of checking your snapchat right before bed, instead make a cup of tea and take a warm bath. It’s easier to stop these habits when you have an alternative behavior to replace it with.
Overall, we have to remember that time is precious, and time spent with real people in actual conversations have much more substance than any conversation we will have over any social media platform.