How to Balance Real Life in a Social Media World

According to Statista, there are approximately 2.62 billion social media users in the world. Furthermore, Pew Research Center found that a significant percentage of social media users check the platforms on a daily basis.

The time we spend scrolling through our social media feeds or searching for videos, tips, trends, and the like has rocketed. What’s more, the amount of time we spend using these platforms has caught the eye of scientists and researchers that are investigating whether or not social media addiction constitutes a mental disorder.

So, in a world dominated by what’s happening online and who’s posting the best picture or video, how can you make sure you’re checked-in with reality?

1. Invest in an old-fashioned alarm clock
Though it may seem trivial, investing in a traditional alarm clock can help you decrease your phone–and therefore–social media usage. If your phone works as your alarm clock, then the first thing you check on as soon as you wake up is your phone, your text messages, your emails, your Instagram likes, etc. Having a real alarm clock to turn off will prevent you from engaging in this behavior early in the morning.

2. Call me, maybe?
Instead of sending a text, gif, snapchat, or voice note, when you want to have a conversation with someone, call. This will help you be truly engaged in the conversation you are having at hand, instead of switching between your texting app and your social media platform of preference while you are having a conversation.

3. Schedule some time to use social media
Instead of grabbing your phone or computer to check on social media every time you have a moment off, consider scheduling a set time every day, or every other day, to check different social media platforms. With time, you will enjoy social media much more this way and your productivity levels will increase.

4. Avoid using your phone before you go to bed
Since you won’t be using your phone as an alarm clock, there’s really no need for you to have your phone under your pillow or on your nightstand. Keep your in your closet, your dresser or another room when you go to bed. You’ll get a much better night’s sleep for it.

5. Don’t compare
Social media doesn’t accurately represent our lives. To keep your feet grounded and to keep your mental health in check, don’t compare yourself and your life to what you see on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, or any other social media platform. 

Extra tip: Need an excuse to motivate you to meet people face to face? Come check us out or attend some of our events. You can find our community events on our Facebook page.