Looking at the title of this article takes me by surprise even now. I know how it feels to be completely tethered to social media, whether it be Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or even Facebook. In a way, we grew up alongside the progression of these apps. It seems weird to think of a time when these applications were but a daydream. The thing is we all use these apps fully knowing that they may not be the healthiest way to spend our time and can even contribute to multiple mental health deficits. That all changed when I watched a documentary on Netflix called The Social Dilemma.
I never thought something as simple as a documentary on the negative aspects of social media would be the sole thing to change the way I use my social media apps, and yet here we are. For starters, I would like to say I was the type of person who started my day by looking at these apps. The more I used them, the worse I felt. I never was able to fully understand why looking at these apps were so addicting, even when they were a contributing factor to my mental health issues.
The documentary outlined how the point of these apps is to maximize the user’s screen time. After learning that the individuals who created these apps don’t allow their children to use them, I knew I needed to make a change. I have definitely taken breaks from social media where I delete the apps off of my phone for mental health reasons, but I always seem to return back to them. So, I am in no way saying that deleting the apps forever is the way to go because, at the end of the day, this is one way we connect and stay connected to others especially in this pandemic.
Notifications are designed to make you more active on the platform. Ultimately, this means the apps themselves are not concerned with the mental health of their users. Additionally, with the rise of advertisers, the barrage of notifications can feel overwhelming and all-consuming. We have all seen the screen time on our phones and been astounded by how large that number really is. By limiting the notifications you receive from these apps, it will not only lower that number but benefit your mental health as well.
Here are some reasons as to why you should consider silencing the notifications from your social media:
- You will start your day feeling more refreshed
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We have all been there – waking up and looking straight at your social media before you have had the chance to really wake up. By doing this, you are setting a precedent of starting your day feeling more overwhelmed and anxious. At times, these apps will dictate your mood for the day, or possibly the week. When you disable notifications, you can start to have more intention-based days, which will ultimately make you more prone to feeling refreshed, productive, and motivated.
- You will be present in the company of others
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Another positive aspect of disabling notifications is that you will no longer be bothered with what other people are currently doing. This will allow you to be more present in the company of others and enjoy being in the moment. It is far too common that we take out our phones when we are around others; however, disabling notifications aids in having meaningful and lasting conversations without the disruption of an external force.
- You will have time to re-evaluate your interests and priorities
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With social media at our fingertips, it is normal to be constantly checking these applications. That being said, when part of your personality is being obsessed with social media, you can lose track of what really matters. By having these notifications turned off, you will only check social media when you really want to rather than when you feel forced to. This will allow you to reflect on other passions and interests, such as reading or writing. When you re-evaluate your priorities, you will feel more comfortable in looking at social media because it no longer defines you or your day.
If there is one thing you take away from this article, I hope you know I am not bashing social media as a whole. There are many positive things that have come about in the social media era, and I am in no way dismissing or minimizing them. However, social media comes with its downfalls. I am a BIG fan of social media and still use it, but taking off the notifications has truly allowed me to live my life and not depend on these platforms. It’s scary (I know), but the possibilities of ‘what could be’ are endless and worth exploring.