Most mornings when I would get up, I would go straight to my iPhone. I would open Instagram, Facebook, or Snapchat and begin to scroll. I would spend up to 10-15 minutes alone just looking at photos, posts, and comments. I didn't see much harm in this because it was normal. I thought it helped me get up in the morning.
Soon, I found myself spending most mornings and numerous times of the day looking at my social media profiles. I felt that I needed to constantly preoccupy every extra minute I had with it. I would crave social media as a way to feel validated and important. I'm not going to lie, it is exciting to post a picture and then see that you have 80 likes. Somehow, that makes you feel special and valued. So, as soon as I would post something, I found myself checking it constantly see how many people liked it (I'm pretty sure we are all guilty of this). After evaluating all these things, I knew that I needed to do something about my social media usage.
*Making a Change*
A couple weeks ago, I came to the realization that I was in a way, addicted to social media. I spent way too much time looking at my news feed, instead of really living. I wasting time during the day where I could have been doing things that made me really happy. I made a goal to first, not go straight to social media in the morning when I got up. I'm going to be honest, I didn't do so well the first few days, but after a while have been able to not go automatically to looking at my iPhone. By eliminating this, I had more time to get ready and I actually felt happier and more alert.
I then decided to delete all of my social media apps for a week and see how I felt. I did use Facebook occasionally, but I had to use my computer or phone browser to log on. I stayed completely away from Snapchat and Instagram. It was difficult to not have those apps to fill my time, but I soon found I was much happier with them gone. After a week of no constant social media, I felt so much more at peace with myself and the way I had spent my time. I had more time to finish homework, go exercise, and or do other things for me. I felt that I wasn't a slave to the apps, or that I need a Snapchat or a like on Instagram to make me happy. I was able to find happiness in just living.
*Warning*
Now, i'm not claiming that social media is bad. I think it is an amazing tool that can connect people and ideas. It is also a great and effective way that we can share our faith and beliefs with others! I still really love using Instagram and Facebook and will continue to do so. I just realized that I needed to use it less than before. Also, I do feel that if we are not careful, it can occupy too much of our time and lives. It can make us miss the little things in life!
The real question I'm asking is, do you control social media, or does social media control you? Recognize that we all have the power to choose how we spend our time. Social media can be so fun and good if we use it wisely. I'm my opinion, social media is too much if it is making one unhappy, or is taking one away from the important things in life, such as time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies and talents, and or anything else that brings joy! If you feel that there is balance lacking in your life, I recommend that you revaluate your social media usage. You will never regret putting your phone down to do something that will bring you more happiness!
xo, Erin
For a Bit of Joy Read -- Make the Exercise of your Faith Your First Priority
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