6 Positive Side Effects Of Disconnecting From Social Media
Could you do it?
Pexels By Margaret Riehle
Smartphones and laptops — along with various other devices and gadgets — have taken over our lives. There is a promise that will make our life easier, hassle-free but in truth, all that these devices are doing are making our life more difficult.
They are separating us from other people and most notably, ourselves while promoting connections. Technologies and companies are shaping the way we think. We constantly compare ourselves against billions of people across the globe.
So, is it time to turn our backs on technology? To take charge of our lives again?
In a way, yes — but not completely.
We live in these times and we should stop being nostalgic. Technology — and yes, internet and being online — has given us some wonderful things. Helpful things, life-saving things. This is the part we should appreciate and embrace.
However, as with most things, this is a double-edged sword and there have been many negative side effects.
This is precisely why going offline is such a huge trend right now.
Some people give it up completely — it’s like going vegan — some are only giving up the parts that are making them miserable and that they feel have a poor effect on their quality of life.
For instance, some people give up social media completely but remain online for other aspects. Others give up their smartphones but remain present through their desktop devices. Many people shun Google altogether. It’s all a matter of a person’s preferences.
It’s like a drug in a way—getting likes, checking your phone, using Google for everything. The internet is always there, available and quite simple while the alternative is more difficult.
Below are 6 positive side effects of giving up a part of your online life.
1. Getting to know yourself again.
“In the world of social media, it’s easy to lose a sense of self at times. You see what someone else is wearing so you wear it. You see what someone else is listening, so you listen to it too. When you stop receiving that influence — this especially happens after abandoning social media — you get to do what you really love.
You get to know yourself — “Whether it’s about style, music, or simply having more time with your own thoughts,” says June Hall, a journalist at 1Day2write.
2. You stop comparing yourself.
Social media wasn’t built with an intention of people comparing their lives to others’ but that’s precisely what it has become. Someone posts a picture of their amazing house and you feel bad for yourself about not having it. Or someone posts a picture on the beach and you sit in your office resenting life.
However, pictures can lie. There isn’t always happiness behind smiles. Giving up social media can help you stop comparing yourself against others and learn to love your life just as it is or figure out ways improve it if you don’t like it.
3. You can reconnect with people.
Connecting with people on social media is easy. All it takes is a click or a tap. Connecting with people offline is more difficult. You have to call or meet. This is where you realize who your true friends are and who you really appreciate. Plus, you get to have real conversations.
4. You can embrace better things in life.
“When you are not spending time online, you get to take up many new hobbies. Gardening, reading, exercising or any other activity are healthy for your body and mind.”, says Annie Ludwig, a psychologist and lifestyle blogger at Writemyx and Britstudent.
5. You stop wasting your time.
Spending time online leads to wasting time. When you remove that aspect, all that’s left for you to do is what you are supposed to do.
6. You start doing things just because you love them.
People often do things because they look good on social media. We even eat things that are Instagram-worthy. However, when you drop the act, you get to do whatever you want to do.
Giving up our online lives is becoming more difficult with each passing year. If you dare to do it, you can get so much from your life and you can become a happier person.
Margaret Riehle is a recruiting analyst for Academic Brits and Origin Writings.