Building a life outside of Social Media
âNobody really cares if you donât go to the partyâ
Itâs only been a few weeks since I deleted my social media applications, but still a journey for me because I grew up with social media. I was able to experience the Myspace era, Vine, and Instagram when it was only for iPhone users and the first days of Twitter.
Growing up in the beginning days of the internet was quite an experience. Itâs like, out of nowhere, we all had access to loads of information. Itâs not the same anymore, though. The internet has become a hazardous place over time.
We only use the internet for trolling, seeing what random followers are up to, and keeping tabs on those in our social circle.
If youâre someone who isnât an influencer, doesnât run a business through social media, or is not making money online, it can be easy to waste your days on the web.
Social Media For Business
Using the internet for business ventures can be excellent for finding people who support you. Business marketing looks different since technology has advanced. People follow a mysterious algorithm hoping to attract people who align with their business morale or go viral so their page or products receive mass exposure.
Media networking also gives you more exposure and vulnerability to additional business opportunities, so I understand why using the internet for business skills can be a significant plus. The key is to balance, so you stay focused on the plethora of information you see on your timeline.
Even though I have a complicated relationship with the internet community, I still support online businesses and influencer work because they pay off nicely when the work is consistent.
Using Social Platforms for Pleasure
You get a specific dopamine high when you see a hilarious meme that makes you laugh for hours and then may become an ongoing joke between you and your friends. I love the internet for that.
Itâs not uncommon for people to use networking apps for enjoyment, but itâs easy to get lost in scrolling, and the next thing you know, it has been hours since youâve looked up from your phone. Whereâs the pleasure in that?
I was guilty of this too, and I slowly became more self-aware and began noticing when I was spending too much time looking at my phone.
It feels good to be updated on peopleâs lives even though you have no idea who they are. And sometimes, it can even feel inspiring, but subconsciously youâre comparing yourself.
Creating a healthy balance with the virtual world can bring your mind peace.
If you have an iPhone, you know thereâs a feature showing you your screen time and which app you use the most. Before I decided to quit social networks, my screen time showed me that I spent about 7 hours a day on my phone. Although that doesnât seem like a lot (compared) when people spend more time than me, itâs more than what Iâm comfortable with altogether. Knowing that I spent 7 hours out of my day worrying about other people made my stomach turn.
My screen time is about three hours daily, primarily medium and youtube. I spend about an hour on each, and the rest comes from cell phone conversations or texts.
I am reclaiming my time. Better yet, I am in charge of my time and can build my schedule however I please.
FOMO (Fear of missing out)
Have you ever watched the highlights/stories from an event or party that you couldnât attend, and it seemed like everyone was there having a blast without you? The feeling of missing out. This mostly happens when youâre watching footage online from a particular occurrence. That is FOMO.
The fear of missing out (FOMO) is an emotional response to the belief that other people are living better, more satisfying lives or that critical opportunities are being missed. FOMO often leads to unease, dissatisfaction, depression, and stress.
I felt this before when my family took a trip to the Bahamas, but I couldnât go. After all, I couldnât get the time off of work because I had already gone to the Bahamas that same year. I was so sad watching everyoneâs footage. I truly felt like I was missing out on the experience of bonding with my family. It looked like everyone had a blast.
FOMO is caused by feelings of anxiety around the idea that an exciting experience or essential opportunity is being missed or taken away.
The only way to overcome FOMO is to embark on a digital detox. Almost like an âout of sight, out of mindâ situation.
Building a life outside of social media
To conclude this article, I want to emphasize the importance of having and building a life that the internet doesnât know.
Itâs impossible to live, presently, without knowing what the world is doing or letting everyone know your next moves. Still, it feels good to live without the outside world commenting on their opinions on your decisions.
I know these feelings all too well, which influenced my choice to remove myself from the media. I struggled to find something to do with myself during the first week of my hiatus. Still, after the first week, I started exploring some old hobbies I love, and now I want to spend all of my free time doing things that are meaningful to me, like hobbies, traveling, calling my friends, eating whole foods, and reading every day.
And thatâs not even half what Iâve been able to accomplish without the online distractions.
Every time I catch myself wanting to scroll, I pick up my book instead, and thatâs been helpful. It feels great to put your mental health before instant gratifications.
Wishing mental awareness on everyone who spends most of their day online, I know it all too well. It can drain you more than you know.
Always,
Sunny
