Too hooked on social media? Here is how to stop it

Our profiles are a huge part of who we are as people; that's just the reality in 2023. Sure, it has been a godsend in many ways but it is true that social media has completely taken over our lives. We are too hooked and limiting our usage is the biggest struggle ever. While many find it impossible to go full-on cold turkey, there are ways we can detox from social media without quitting.

Set designated time slots

This is an excellent starting point as setting up designated time slots for your social media will introduce elements of discipline to your life. It is ridiculously easy to get completely submerged in scrolling and lose track of time. However, if you tweak things a little and let time dictate scrolling rather than the other way around, you will have an easier time dealing with the habit of mindless scrolling.

Disable notifications

Notifications are the gateway to us compulsively checking our phones every other minute. The worst part is, most of the time, they are not even all that important. Disabling notifications gives you back some of that control.

Adjust your phone settings so that they only send you notifications for essential apps or a select few social media platforms.

Limit the number of platforms you are in

There is absolutely no need at all for you to be on so many social media platforms at once. This only causes us to be stuck in a perpetual cycle where we keep jumping from one app to the next. Limiting the number of social media apps on your phone would also stop the toggling between apps. Keep your Facebook, Instagram, and perhaps even TikTok. Skip out on Snapchat and Twitter or X or whatever Elon Musk calls it these days.

Fight tech with tech

There are a lot of apps available in the App Store that can give you an insight into how much time you spend on social media, which will in return help you pinpoint where to cut back on. Furthermore, you can even use your phone's timer to set reminders to help you keep track of time.

Pay attention to your emotional responses

Be mindful about how you feel while using social media. It is very important to see the kind of effect certain platforms, interactions, or posts have on us. If they evoke negative emotions or make you stressed it is very important to cut back on them.

Photo: Collected

Set tech-free zones in the house

Make certain parts of your house zones that prohibit the usage of phones and any other devices and try to spend more time in these zones without your phones. Ideal spots for these zones are the living room and dining room. The more you stay away from your phone the more things you will notice about the world around you.