Now with intention
Going back to social media with purpose
Like me, you’ve probably read or heard some stories of people leaving social media — saying that after doing so, they’ve been happier and less stressful.
To be honest, those benefits are kind of obvious, most of us know that social media is a source of stress, an infinity pool, a distraction, a productivity black hole, and we probably stay due to its addicting factors and getting quick hits of dopamine.
Knowing this for so many years, I’ve been doing some experiments on my own.
The Realization
I can’t remember when exactly I realized that I’m spending too much time on these kinds of websites. It’s probably when 9Gag was all over social media websites and internet which everyone is sharing circa 2013 — ish? A website that can keep visitors entertained 24/7 just by scrolling.
After a week or two of regularly visiting the site whenever I’m bored or see something from it shared on Facebook or Twitter. I noticed that my productivity plummeted and been spending a lot of time on it, thanks to activity tracking tools like RescueTime, I decided to take a step to avoid it.
Taking Action
If I remember it right, I started by blocking the website using some browser extensions like BlockSite, unliked their page on Facebook, and hidden all posts that are from 9gag. It worked like a charm, I got out of the hook after a few days.
After a few weeks or months, I did the same thing unfollowing Facebook pages as well that is sharing click baits and nice-to-know-but-unnecessary information. Like the 9gag example, it also improved the quality of my feed. Of course, I probably saw most of those posts due to my previous behavior, interests and maybe even browser cookies?
I also did this on my IG account and twitter. I unfollowed accounts sharing unnecessary or impractical information. It is somewhat liberating as well.
Still, as technology and social media algorithm advances, the amount of content that we will see will always be dynamic, always with the goal of keeping you hooked and scrolling, which probably is feeding them more data about you, and becoming a part of their cash cow.
As for me, I’ve been in and out of it, to the point of deactivating accounts, particularly to avoid stress and be more productive.
So, Is social media all evil?
Of course not, but like a knife, though made as a cutting tool, improper use of it can hurt you. Without control, too much of it can be a cause of depression and loneliness, poor sleep quality, anxiety, low self-esteem, and other stuff.
If that’s the case, why are you even considering coming back?
After a few weeks without it, I’ve realized that If I will return, I should come back with intention. Though I can’t guarantee that I won’t be swayed by its content, and even with the trade-offs mentioned earlier, I’m willing to dive back in. Again, with intention.
Like this article, I may be able to help someone realize something for them to change something (always hopeful for good), and with social media, I know I can do that, even to just one friend or a stranger.
I can reach out to people sharing good things around the world, and ultimately my belief that changed my perspective and life.
Welcome or not, here I come(back).
