Do you want to learn how to use social media without getting addicted? Whether you are new or experienced to social media, you’ve probably noticed it’s easy to get hooked. The endless feeds can scroll on forever. There’s so much information to consume, people to follow, and things going on.
Social media has specific algorithms and processes that can keep you distracted, mindlessly scrolling for hours. A lot of people find themselves immediately opening their social media apps, without even realizing it. Social media becomes an addiction, something you can’t stop looking at, thinking about, or browsing.
So how do you use social media without getting addicted? And if you’re already addicted, is there a way to break free of this mind-cluttering cycle? In this article, we’ll explore the ways to use social media without getting addicted. These methods also work if you’re trying to break free of an addictive social media habit. You got this friend. Let’s dive right in!
Digital minimalism
Have you heard of digital minimalism? This strategy has been trending for some time now, and for good reason!
A lot of people realize the harmful effects of social media, including anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, self comparison, and more. We see things on social media that make us feel like we’ll never measure up and we’re simply “not enough.”
With digital minimalism, you can set yourself up for success. It’s a healthier way to use social media without getting addicted.
There are so many wonderful articles out there already written on the topic of digital minimalism, but I’ll say this about it. Digital minimalism is a way of taking control of your life again.
An addiction simply means that you’re allowing something else to have power and control over your life. With digital minimalism you can take your power and control back. We’ll discuss digital minimalism tips in the following sections.
Here are some awesome articles about digital minimalism to check out later:
Extreme Digital Minimalism – My Life Without a Phone
A Minimalist’s Guide to Using Social Media Mindfully and Wisely
Digital Minimalism – What is It?
Set boundaries
One of the first steps in digital minimalism is setting boundaries. But in order to set boundaries, you always should first ask yourself, “Why?”
Why are you setting a boundary? What do you go on social media for? Is there something you hope to find? What are you hoping to get out of it?
When you go on social media, are your expectations met? If not, what needs to change?
A boundary is a way of setting yourself up for success. It establishes clear lines of what you can and can’t do, which gives you more time, energy, and resources to do what you truly want to do.
For example, I have a firm boundary that I don’t go on social media until I’ve finished my scripture studies. I always study in the morning, but I find that connecting with God, pondering, and having that spiritual mind boosts my mood and gets me motivated for the day. I also usually don’t even go onto social media until the end of the day. And the reason I go on is to post something for brand awareness. I don’t use social media as a place for scrolling or searching. The only purpose for me is to post about my books, blog, articles, and so forth.
What are your boundaries with social media? And why do you use it?
Also read: How to Set and Stick to Your Boundaries
Know your WHY
I mentioned this already, but it’s important to really focus on the WHY. Why do you go on social media?
I honestly don’t like social media (if you make it to the end of this article, you’ll find previously written articles about how social media kills your confidence, and why you should stop using it).
However, there are some positives that come from using social media. I like that people can connect with others facing a similar problem or striving for a similar goal, like in Facebook groups. Those are powerful places where people can connect with and help each other.
I’ve also heard of people finding God and Jesus Christ through social media posts by Christian influencers and families.
But… there are also some really bad things on social media, and you’ll come across it when you’re not even looking for it: pornography, negativity, trolling, hatred, bullying, and so much more. Even on my own posts, which are mainly about Hawaii, I receive bullying and negative comments every so often. It’s the nature of the game: people feel like they can say anything they want because they’re hiding behind a screen.
So, with all the pros and cons, why are YOU on social media? Do you want validation from other people? Are you hoping that by posting or consuming content, you’ll feel better about yourself, your life, or something else?
Live in the REAL world
Instead of always turning to social media, what can you do in real life that will rejuvenate your soul? I read a speech that said rejuvenating experiences can keep the tension down and the spirit up.
For many of us, social media is not rejuvenating. Yet we find ourselves scrolling through, subconsciously thinking we’ll pass something that makes us smile or makes us happy.
But living in the real world makes us happy. Being in nature, connecting with people, savoring the moment… real life and the real world are where real connections happen. Sure, you might have a meaningful conversation with someone else online, but there’s a huge difference when you have that conversation and experience in real life.
How can you live more in the real world?
An example of living in virtual reality, aka an echo chamber
For example, I have a family member who posts extreme views on social media. It’s like she’s a whole different person on social media, which gives me anxiety to talk to her in real life. I know that sounds silly, but the way she presents herself on social media is so different from the way she is in real life.
When I talk to and see her in real life, it’s absolutely wonderful. Our conversations and time together are well spent. Yet there’s this ugly side to her, a side that she puts out on social media in order to conform and fit in with others. It’s so disheartening and sad because this isn’t who she really is. She does it to get more likes, follows, and to fit in with others.
In a very strange way, she is living in a virtual reality. She’s living in a fake world, where her identity online does not match who she truly is in reality. She’s a wonderful person, but when she gets onto social media, she allows it to change and skew her true nature.
Are you living in a virtual reality? Or are you living in the real world? And if you’re living more in the real world, are you being honest with who you are on social media? Or are you trying to fit in with others?
Social media is an echo chamber. People repeat, copy, and blast what other people say. It’s exhausting because the noise is so loud, cacophonic, and, honestly, quite irritable. Are you part of that echo chamber? Or are you taking the time to not be part of the clutter, and, instead, represent yourself as you truly are?
Be mindful
Of course, everything boils down to mindfulness. Are you mindful of the way you spend your time, energy, and resources?
Remember that anytime you say “yes” to something, you’re saying “no” to something else. For example, if you say yes to spending time on social media, you’re saying no to spending time on other things. With that time spent on social media, you probably could’ve connected with someone, taken a nap (seriously haha), created something, or worked on a project you’ve been looking forward to.
Mindfulness keeps us present. It helps us enjoy our lives and make the most of it.
Ask how God wants you to use your social media
There are so many wonderful Christian champions out there, who stand up for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and morality. They aren’t afraid to share the truth, and it’s refreshing!
Maybe you can use your interest in social media for good. You can do that by asking God how He wants you to use your social media. Can you do something to forward His work and glory?
Knowing what God thinks of how we use our time will help us to be wise in our decisions. I liked this article about the Bible and social media:
10 Powerful Verses about the Bible and Social Media
In conclusion
You can use social media and not get addicted, but you must be very clear about why. Remember that unclear and sloppy boundaries produce unclear and sloppy results. If you don’t know why you use social media, it’s time to stop, ponder, and truly evaluate your motives.
Personally I don’t like social media. Sometimes I wish I could delete all my profiles and delete all the apps. I use social media for raising brand awareness, but it certainly doesn’t bring me joy or fulfillment. I try to spend as little time as possible on it, doing the bare minimum to promote my books, blog, and other things.
As for Kanani Life, my husband and I try to use social media as a way to encourage people to stop using social media. It sounds inefficient as far as SEO and the algorithms, as people click out of our videos and other social media profiles because they’re reminded to get off. But, it works! I’m happy to help people spend more time being mindful, creative, and doing what they really want to do.
So… you can use social media and not get addicted, but spend more time doing things that matter most. Spend more time worrying about things that matter most. Don’t get caught up in the echo chamber, the never-ending feed of social media. Live here, in the real world, and things will be sooo much better. You got this friend!
You also might be interested in reading:
What are your thoughts?
Do you think you can use social media and not get addicted? Is it possible? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you. Mahalo!
Save this pin for later!
