Credit: Mikhail Pushkarev / Unsplash.com
We all know that social media isn’t “real.” Of course, it offers a way to keep in touch. It informs us (sometimes of actual news). It can help us find fun local events, take some time away from “reality” with goofy videos, or even suggest products and services we MIGHT want.
But it isn’t real life. I don’t think it is an incredibly harmful activity to partake in, at least for adults who realize there is a separation between social media and real life. I think for teens and even some adults that differentiation can be tough to separate.
I do think overuse of social media channels can lead to depression. “Experts” can’t make a clear association, as it is a tough topic to research with a multitude of variables. But, and in just my personal and non-medically trained opinion, I do think it can provide an unrealistic view of others. I think we see a lot of “perfect” looking people (by the way, that doesn’t exist), with clean homes, beautiful clothes, in luxurious places.
I love perusing family and friends’ vacation photos. I love seeing their children grow up, their fun escapades, and their exciting victories. But I am also cognoscente of my own use of social media. How often do you realistically highlight your losses? Your dips in self-esteem? Your lowest of lows?
I’m not saying every single user of every single type of social media is providing only a rosy view of their world. I’m saying it is far more common, in my experience, to see the positives. Of course, I have friends that have flocked to the comfort of social media for commiseration, understanding, advice, and sympathy. I have myself. It isn’t all the “wins” of life.
But I was lucky enough to spend a week of vacation this year fully detached from technology. I placed my cell phone in airplane mode, once I was aboard my flight. I left it in airplane and “Do Not Disturb” for the entire week. I left my teen children my hotel’s information and landline. If they needed me, they could call the hotel reach me. Outside of that, I didn’t see the need.
My work is gracious enough to offer coverage for my vacancy. Yes, I had to work ahead and behind, but overall, I was lucky to have a real and true break. They knew I was away and allowed … actually hardily encouraged … me to disconnect. I notified friends and family that I’d be away all week, and not reachable, so that no one would worry.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure I could do it. We rely so heavily on our phones. We search answers to our questions. We research options for dining. We check reviews and look at images. We doddle on social media. It has become a device we almost can’t live without. Almost.
But after my full week off, I am happy to report, I did not turn off my unreachable settings. Not once. I spent a week without my phone. I didn’t call anyone. I didn’t text. I didn’t read social media accounts. I didn’t play a game. I didn’t check the news, the weather, the good, the bad, or the ugly. And somehow, I survived.
In fact, I would say I thrived. I enjoyed it. After the first day or two of reaching for my phone, I relaxed. I let go. I soaked up my vacation. And it was awesome.
After trying a full week, disconnected from the world, I was happier. I was lighter. I enjoyed the trip. I lived in the present. I was present. I think I got more out of the entire journey because of it. I would even take a moment to recommend it to others.
Yes, cell phones have made life convenient. Social media has made us more connected, at least in some instances. But the two have also made us feel further apart. We become engrossed in our devices. Don’t believe me? Search “Screen Time” on your phone’s settings. The numbers there may shock you.
If you think they seem a bit high, or simply are seeking a mental health lift, I recommend a break. Set the phone down. Log off from social media. If you fear doing so, maybe start small. Maybe just take two hours a day to leave the phone out of reach.
If you feel brave, consider going a full day. If necessary, work your way up to longer separations. You and your phone will survive, I promise.
Having a true pause, a break from the “real world” (or what our online platforms would lead us to believe is real) did me wonders. And I think you will enjoy experiencing life a tad more and reading online about it a tad less. I am sure this sounds like wild advice from an online news editor. But sadly our world has become a destructive mix of “fake news,” opinions masquerading as facts, and rhetoric designed to divide us.
Even if you have a largely positive experience with the online world, which I personally think I do too, it is nice to have a week away. Disconnect. Live your life. Experience your world. I promise, it’s worth it.
