If you've been asking yourself this question, lately, you are not alone. Whereas, I used to be online so much I was getting paid for my content, I have been off my socials for over a month now and haven't missed it! What changed to make this turn of events possible? Could getting off of social media be right for you? Read on to find out...
Should You Break Up with Social Media? Take This Quiz!
Answer the following questions honestly to determine if it's time to reconsider your relationship with social media.
How much time do you spend on social media each day?
a (1 point) Less than 30 minutes
b (2 points) 30 minutes to 1 hour
c (3 points) 1 to 3 hours
d (4 points) More than 3 hours
How do you feel after using social media?
a (1 point) Happy and connected
b (2 points) Neutral
c (3 points) Anxious or stressed
d (4 points) Sad or inadequate
Do you find yourself comparing your life to others on social media?
a (1 point) Rarely
b (2 points) Sometimes
c (3 points) Often
d (4 points) Always
How often do you feel the need to check your social media accounts?
a (1 point) Only when I want to
b (2 points) A few times a day
c (3 points) Every hour
d (4 points) Constantly
Do you feel that social media enhances your relationships?
a (1 point) Yes, definitely
b (2 points) Sometimes
c (3 points) Rarely
d (4 points) No, not at all
Scoring Your Quiz
Tally up the total number of points for your answers (above). Higher scores indicate a greater likelihood that social media use is negatively impacting your mental health.
5-8: Social media is likely a positive influence in your life. Consider maintaining your current usage.
9-12: It sounds like you have a balanced relationship with social media, but it may be worth reflecting on your usage.
13-16: Social media may be causing you stress or anxiety. Consider taking a break or reducing your usage.
17-20: It might be time to break up with social media. Reassess its role in your life and consider making a significant change.
If your relationship with social media is less than stellar, like mine was, it is important to recognize the various factors that may be contributing to this common sentiment. In the early days, I enjoyed connecting with others on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Yet, over time, it came to be a source of feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and isolation more so than joy and connection. The constant barrage of curated images, advertisements, sensationalized news, and, more and more, "friends" I couldn't relate to or count on in real life created a distorted senes of reality that was difficult to navigate yet hard to put down.
The addictive nature of social media is such that it is designed to get us hooked and this can lead to excessive screen time that detracts from our real-life interactions and experiences that could actually help us feel better. This disconnection from our physical world can foster a sense of loneliness, as we continually prioritize online interactions over meaningful face-to-face relationships. The pressure to maintain an online persona can also be overwhelming, leading to stress and a sense of obligation to constantly update and engage with followers, leading us to feel unreal and unhappy when we're offline.
Additionally, the algorithms that govern social media platforms can exacerbate feelings of dissatisfaction. Because they are built to maximize engagement, they often promote content that is sensational or divisive, as previously mentioned. This can contribute to a toxic online environment of hate and fear. As a result, we can find ourselves caught in a cycle of negativity, where we are exposed to harmful versus helpful or true rhetoric.
It is also worth considering the impact of social media on mental health. Studies have shown that frequent use of these platforms can be linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Triggering unhelpful thinking phenomenon where we measure our self-worth against the seemingly perfect lives of others online, leading to a detrimental cycle of self-criticism and dissatisfaction. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions may be particularly vulnerable to ruminating on these "compare and despair" cognitive distortions.
To navigate this complex relationship, it may be beneficial to take a step back and assess your social media habits, like taking the quiz at the start of this blog post or listening to a podcast on the subject (this one was particularly timely, for me). Reflecting on the emotions that arise during and after your social media interactions can provide valuable insights into how it affects your overall well-being. Only you can know what's right for you. Setting boundaries, such as limiting screen time, curating your feed to include positive and uplifting content, and engaging in offline activities, can help foster a healthier relationship with social media. For some, quitting social media altogether may be the solution.
Ultimately, recognizing that social media is a tool that can be used positively or negatively is crucial. By consciously choosing how to engage with these platforms, you can transform your experience from one of frustration and discontent to one that is more fulfilling and aligned with your values. It falls on us to assess whether our behaviors, including our social media use, foster greater feelings of connection or disconnection in our lives and relationships. After all, the quality of our relationships is what makes a life well lived. Luckily, we have the agency in this situation. With this in mind, may we scroll wisely.
Article by Anna Belle Wood, December, 2024
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