While the use of social media has transformed the digital space, it comes with its share of challenges. One of the major problems that many social media users are grappling with is addiction.
Just like drug addiction, the use of social media can distract you from carrying out your daily duties effectively. Typically, social media overuse can negatively impact social, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Some studies indicate that heavy social media use is linked to an increased risk of depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, loneliness and anxiety. Besides encountering interpersonal problems, extreme use of social media not only affects physical health but also makes it difficult for users to complete tasks on time.
Think about it this way. Why do you spend too much time on social media and fail to submit work reports on time? This trend has resulted in many people losing jobs and sinking into depression. Would you like to lose your job due to social media addiction? Of course no one would wish to follow that path.
Today, social media giants Tiktok and Facebook have attracted the interest of the highest number of users. The two social networks come with features that let users create and share content with their friends on the go. Even though this has eased communication and boosted the chances of reaching out to more users,it comes with its fair share of side effects.
In this article, we explore ways you can avoid getting trapped in social media addiction, especially through the use of Tiktok and Facebook.
What is Social Media Addiction
Uncontrollable urge to use social media results in addiction. Generally, spending a lot of time on social media impairs important aspects of life. Signs of social media addiction include overreliance on social media as a way of diverting attention from work, negative life experiences, anger, or problems.
Once you find yourself switching to social media when you are angry or struggling to keep up with deadlines as a result of wasting too much time on social media then you have a reason to be worried.
With social media addiction, users find themselves with the obsession to increase likes, and followers or want to outwit others by posting funny content on platforms like Tiktok and Facebook. When you are driven by the urge to increase likes and post without a proper routine regardless of the important schedules you have then you are a victim of social media addiction.
Here are a few tips on how to tame social media addiction.
One of the most effective strategies you can use to avoid social media addiction is restricting yourself to a particular duration. For example, you can opt to use social media for only 40 minutes a day.This not only helps you manage the time you may spend on social media but also helps you cut on heavy usage.
Alternatively, you can opt to use social media on certain days of the week.This may be after school, at work or at certain times of the week. A remedy to the time you intend to spend includes using a timer or installing an app that will track your usage and restrict access.
Do not Use it When Depressed
Generally, social media can trigger cases of depression and stress. As such, you should avoid social media when you are feeling angry. In case you are angry or feel depressed, divert attention by either listening to music or talking to a close friend.That way, you will effectively manage the effects of depression and recover more quickly.
For example, if you have just failed your exam or retrenched at work,do not turn to Tiktok or Facebook to express your sorrow.This may just fuel addiction and result in anxiety, depression, and even suicide.This is why social media obsession is linked to mental health problems among many users.
Therefore it is important to use social media mainly when you want to update your content as opposed to using it to express your sorrows. Some users may throw around negative content that may be unhealthy for your mental health especially if you are facing difficult challenges.
Avoid Social Media Triggers
Another aspect that you should figure out before using social media triggers.This may include loneliness or boredom. Incase you feel lonely, you should try to read a book.
Before you postpone a task to focus on social media, it is important to divert attention from social media and think about the negative effects of failing to deliver the task in time. That way, you will be able to settle and complete the task in time.
However, knowing your social media triggers will save you from the danger of falling into triggers that divert your attention from what you should be doing to the use of social media.
Identify Social Media Replacement
If you find yourself with the urge to use social media, try to identify something you can do instead. For example, you can either take a walk, read a book, or watch your favorite movie episode.
Alternatively, in case you feel bored, you can opt to call friends or a close relative. Finding other activities to do plays a significant role in diverting your attention from social media.
Stop Comparing Yourself To Others
One of the dangers of using social media is trying to compare yourself with others. Do not get distracted by the lives of other people on social media. Most social media users mainly post their best life on social media and cover up their dark side.
As such, you shouldn’t worry about your status based on what you are seeing on videos or images posted on Tiktok or Facebook.
For example, do not worry about a photo or video depicting a friend as very successful, that may not reflect a true picture of his or her life.
Therefore it is important to appreciate your status and who you are. Whatever you are seeing on Facebook or Tiktok may not be the true picture of your friend’s life.
Avoid Social Media For Some Time
If you are finding it challenging to limit social media usage, then you can opt to take a break. This may include either deactivating or uninstalling social media apps from your phone. While the move may sound weird to many,it can be helpful if you are struggling with heavy social media usage.
Taking a break from social media plays a significant role in changing how you use social media. After some time, you may easily adjust and start all over again without facing the danger of addiction.
Set Boundaries
Unlike setting a time limit that requires you to restrict yourself on how long and when you should use social media, setting boundaries means you control who to follow and the type of content you intend to see.
For example, you can choose to unfollow people who regularly post negative content. Once you set boundaries, you will be able to manage social media usage while also restricting yourself to a given timeframe.
Conclusion
If you are grappling with social media addiction,it is high time you consider trying out the tips outlined in this article. While Facebook and Tiktok are important in networking and brand promotion, over-usage poses a danger to users.
We, therefore, encourage social media users to try out these tips and reduce the risk of sinking into a depression that may affect their mental health.
