12 Benefits Of Quitting Social Media
The typical individual now uses social media as a tool in their daily life. These networks have transformed how we communicate and share information, moving from a drawn-out browse through feeds to sharing every second of our lives. In 2020 research, it was discovered that whereas 61% of Snapchat users were male, only 38% of Twitter users were. On the other hand, women reported that they use Facebook and LinkedIn. This blog post looks into some benefits that come along with having no social media and why more and more people are choosing to disconnect themselves from these virtual worlds. Why Should You Quit Social Media from Your Life? But before delving into the specific benefits of detaching from social media, it would be apt to understand the motives behind this growing trend. The overwhelming influence of the information flow, the pressure on maintaining a curatorial social life, and the addictive nature of these sites are overburdening people. Furthermore, along with the issues of privacy and data security and the excessive spread of misinformation, people are beginning to rethink their relationship with social media itself. According to a 2021 CENSIS survey, teenagers are using smartphones at an even higher rate than before. Of these, 59% of adolescents connect to the Internet alone, and 58% consult social media—mostly Instagram (72%), TikTok (62%), and YouTube (58%). Perhaps avoiding social media can be one of the toughest decisions to make, especially when these platforms occupy a significant part of personal and professional life. Yet the potential rewards of disconnection may be the ones that have the most significant, far-reaching outcome. Let’s go through the main advantages of quitting social media in further detail now: 12 Benefits Of Not Using Social Media Let’s explore each of the benefits of not using social media with more research and practical advice for anyone looking to make the change. 1. Improved Mental Health Social media’s impact on mental health is a studied topic. Practical advice: If quitting entirely is too much of a task, first take steps like turning off push notifications and designate specific times when you will check social media. Both will ease your anxiety and compulsive checking behaviours. 2. Increased Productivity The advantages of quitting social media go far beyond having more time. A study by the University of California, Irvine, found that it takes an average of 23 minutes to focus entirely on a task when interrupted. Thus, removing constant interruptions from social media saves time and cognitive resources. Productivity Hack: Block or remove access to social media sites using tools like RescueTime or Freedom to provide a focus on productivity during work hours. 3. Quality Sleep The National Sleep Foundation states that any electronic devices before bedtime hinder the sleep-wake cycle produced by the body. Not using social media, particularly during the night, will have you in better control of your circadian rhythm sleep. Bedtime tip: Create a “digital sunset” an hour before bed by switching off all devices and doing something soft, like reading or meditation. 4. Increased Focus and Attention Span Cal Newport in his book “Deep Work” says that any focus without distraction will become scarcest and the most valuable resource in our economy in many ways. Focus exercise: Pomodoro Technique Practice focused work for 25 minutes, followed by short breaks. Through this, you can slowly hone your ability to keep and hone your mind’s concentration. 5. Authentic Relationships An article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that adults who use social media often feel lonely, whereas the ones who use it little do not. Being disconnected from your screens creates space for meaningful face-to-face time. Relationship builder: Schedule regular socialisation time with friends and family to schedule quality time over virtual interaction. 6. Less Stress and Anxiety Constant connectivity and information overload of social media can lead to what researchers call “technostress.” Perks of avoiding social media significantly reduce this modern form of stress. Practical advice: Meditation is a good way to practise mindfulness which manages anxiety and stays present in the moment. 7. Improved Body Image and Self-Esteem A meta-analysis published in Body Image found a significant relationship between levels of social media use and body image concerns. Quitting social media eliminates you from the constant bombardment of idealised images and unrealistic beauty ideals. Confidence booster: Do things that make you feel capable and accomplished, focusing on internal growth and not having a physical appearance. 8. More Free Time As per a research the average amount of time spent on social media is 2 hours and 24 minutes. This simply means that one wastes more than 16 hours in a week, which may be given to time in personal development or recreations and bonding with relatives. Time Management Tip: Write down activities you’ve always wanted to try but have not had time for. Use the free time that you have gained now to explore them. 9. Higher Online Safety with Privacy Enhancement With appalling headlines breaking news of personal data breaches and privacy issues these days, eliminating social media may significantly reduce your digital footprint. As a result, you will have control over your data and be less vulnerable to identity theft. According to Recent statistics , 12% of teenagers use social media for more than ten hours each day, and 48% of them use it for an average of five hours. Furthermore, depression developed as a result of that rise in virtual time. 10. Better Posture and Health Quitting social media to reduce digital footprints can improve security significantly online: less data for hackers, less risk of identity theft; protection of privacy: review your online presence; use privacy-oriented applications such as VPNs, encrypted messaging apps, etc., to communicate digitally. The opposite effect of “text neck” and other issues caused by hunching over phones and tablets is felt in the body as individuals use them excessively. Health tip: Developing habits of regular stretching and posture exercises can help offset the amount of time spent