Initially, I had planned to share my experience of being off social media (any platform with a news feed) after a month, but I can’t contain my excitement!
I chose to take a month-long break after consistently finding myself getting upset about the posts I encountered. Social media was intended to be an enjoyable means of self-expression and a way to connect with new friends who might not cross our paths otherwise. Can I please have my MySpace back?!?
On my very first day without social media, I found myself more productive. Typically, I work until 1 or 2, have lunch, then indulge in TV or social media browsing before needing a nap before my workout and coaching evening classes. However, on my first social media-free day, I started working on my taxes – something I usually procrastinate until April. Surprisingly, I didn’t even need a nap!
The subsequent days followed a fairly normal routine. I ran errands and enjoyed some snowboarding. However, I committed to daily reading as part of my new year’s resolution, initially dedicating about 30 minutes a day. Suddenly, I find myself averaging about 1-1/2 hours each day! I’m currently engrossed in two different books, one self-help and one fiction.
Sunday marked a departure from the norm. Instead of my usual day off involving social media catch-up, football watching, eating, napping, more football, and additional social media catch-up, I worked on my taxes some more. I also tackled tasks that I had been procrastinating on for six months! The feeling of accomplishment was truly exhilarating, and I still get excited thinking about it! (lol)
Tuesday night, however, was the most profound of all. Craving some social interaction, I asked a friend if he wanted to grab dinner. Interestingly, he had recently deleted his social media accounts. Though he mentioned he had already eaten the chili he made, he invited me over. Despite my initial desire to go out and see people, I agreed, and it turned out to be a fantastic evening. We had dinner at his place and watched an entire movie – something we hadn’t done together since we were roommates almost 30 years ago. I was genuinely surprised by how fulfilling it felt to engage in a real conversation with someone.
Importance of Human Interaction
Engaging in face-to-face conversations and human contact is essential for our overall well-being. As social beings, the innate need for connection is ingrained in our biology. In-person interactions provide a profound sense of belonging, fostering emotional support and creating bonds that significantly contribute to our overall sense of well-being. The shared experiences during face-to-face interactions help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness, promoting a deeper connection and understanding between individuals.
Face-to-face communication involves not only spoken words but also crucial non-verbal cues like facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. These nuances play a vital role in comprehensive message understanding, reducing the risk of miscommunication or misunderstanding. The direct observation of emotions in real-time facilitates empathetic responses, contributing to a richer and more meaningful connection between people.
Additionally, in-person interactions offer various benefits, including stress reduction through the release of oxytocin during conversations and physical touch. Trust and rapport tend to develop more naturally in face-to-face settings, fostering collaboration, teamwork, and cultural understanding. While digital communication has its place, it often lacks the depth and richness of in-person connections. Balancing online and offline interactions is crucial for maintaining a fulfilling social life, and prioritizing face-to-face conversations is integral to cultivating meaningful relationships that positively impact both psychological and emotional well-being.
Psychological Effects of Social Media
Excessive social media use has diverse effects on the brain, as numerous studies have shown. Activities like receiving likes, comments, or notifications trigger dopamine release, associated with pleasure and reward, potentially leading to addictive behaviors. Additionally, the constant influx of information on social media platforms can shorten attention spans, hindering sustained focus on tasks. Engaging with social media before bedtime disrupts sleep patterns due to the blue light emitted by screens, impacting cognitive functions and emotional well-being negatively. Moreover, information overload on social media may impair memory and cognitive performance, while multitasking further diminishes cognitive abilities. Heavy social media use has been associated with heightened levels of depression and loneliness, stemming from excessive comparison, cyberbullying, and the perceived social isolation in the digital realm.
Why Does Social Media Make Us Angry, Jealous and Sad?
Our emotional responses to social media posts, often characterized by anger, jealousy, and sadness, stem from a variety of psychological and social factors. The clash of personal beliefs and values within the diverse landscape of social media can trigger defensive or threatened feelings when encountering posts that challenge deeply held convictions. Additionally, confirmation bias plays a role, as individuals tend to seek information that aligns with their existing beliefs, leading to discomfort and emotional reactions when confronted with opposing perspectives.
Social comparison on these platforms, where self-presentation is common, often sparks feelings of envy or frustration when exposed to others’ achievements or positive experiences. The fear of missing out (FOMO) amplifies these emotions, creating a sense of inadequacy or resentment upon seeing exciting activities or events shared by others. Cyberbullying and the prevalence of negativity in some social media posts contribute to understandable feelings of upset, anger, or sadness.
The lack of context in online interactions further complicates emotional responses, as social media posts often lack the nuances present in face-to-face communication. This can lead to misinterpretations and misunderstandings, fostering emotional reactions based on incomplete information. The online disinhibition effect, fueled by relative anonymity and distance, enables people to express opinions or behaviors they might avoid in person, resulting in offensive or upsetting content that triggers emotional responses.
Acknowledging the benefits of human interaction and understanding the potential pitfalls of excessive social media use are crucial steps towards maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Let’s prioritize meaningful face-to-face connections and be mindful of our online engagements. Wishing you a season filled with genuine connections, joy, and personal growth!