From meals being one tap away to all the different video streaming services available today, the present reality is pretty much laced with convenience and bad health. Care to take a read?
As our love affair with smartphones continues to grow, so does the mounting evidence of their damaging effects. It seems that more and more research is being done showing how harmful excessive media consumption can be to our health physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Social Media Apps: A Curse?
Our country has undergone an immense technological change, promoting the new entertainment platforms through high-speed internet and video streaming services. It is estimated that an average Indian youth spends 8 hours 29 minutes watching online videos – more than the global standard of 6 hours and 45 minutes.
A few decades ago, every Sunday, families and friends would gather to enjoy popular Indian television series such as Ramayan and Mahabharata or even old Hollywood films. But with technology becoming more accessible over time- all that has changed. Now viewers can watch whatever they want from a variety of different genres on streaming services and at their own pace without having to worry about missing out on anything else!
Health professionals warn that since people are replacing time once spent being active, socializing, and sleeping- they’re at an increased risk for many serious health conditions including heart disease, depression, sleep problems and addiction.
The dependency on technology continues to penetrate in every aspect of our lives. With food, apps allow us to tap and order so we can feed ourselves without having to do much at all. In an era where food delivery apps tout themselves as a healthier alternative for fast-paced lifestyles, they’ve only made us lazier and less concerned about what we’re eating.
Social media apps, OTT platforms can be both beneficial and toxic. It helps people stay connected, share moments and stay up-to-date with the events happening around them. However, there are many downfalls as well that can cause anxiety, distraction, depression, and isolation from reality.
Before we get into the positive effects of taking a break or moderating the use of social media, it’s important to address the negative ones. What you might experience in the initial stages are feelings of anxiety or stress as you’re withdrawing from a highly addictive drug that has consumed your life for some time now. Not only will these feelings subside but they’ll also likely disappear within a week’s time span! So take heart and know everything will be okay!
Also read: Negative Effects of Social Media on Our Brains (Bad Impacts)
Take A Break
We’ve put together some compelling reasons why you should take a break from media.
● Reconnect With the Real World
Do you feel comfortable connecting with people online, but shy away from making meaningful connections in person? While it may seem ideal for introverts to focus on connecting virtually, research shows that this distance leads to loneliness and isolation in reality. Those who spend too much time on social media sites are more likely to experience a weakened immune system as well.
even if you’re an introvert and uncomfortable with a lot of in-person interaction, you can boost your mood by taking yourself to your favorite park or restaurant if you prefer solitude; head to the movies or concert halls if those are more up your alley.
● You Gain a Lot of Free Time
Do you find yourself too busy to exercise, read or clean your house? Taking a break from social media will help you regain almost two hours every day-time that can now be devoted to improving yourself. Walking for thirty minutes per day provides huge physical and mental health benefits; making it much better use of your time than scrolling through Facebook all day long. You’ll also feel less stressed out when you take some time off to get things in order at home.
Also read: What is Digital Dementia? How our Children and We are Destroying our Minds?
● Improved Sleep & Mental Health
From the stressors and responsibilities of day-to-day life to an overfilled work schedule, it has become quite rare for us to get enough sleep. But do you know how much social media and screen time affects the quality of sleep?!
The blue light from our screens disrupts sleep patterns. In addition, people who constantly check their social media accounts are often prone to greater sleeping problems. To prevent this we can take some precautions; stop checking the computer or phone before bedtime, log out, put them away or use your do not disturb function while turning in for the night.
Whether it’s for a momentary pause or an opportunity to make lasting changes, many benefits can come from taking time away from social media. Try to avoid the unnecessary time-suck that social media can become and use it only when you need it. It would be a real life-changer to give yourself some breathing room from your addiction without having to completely delete your account and try replacing your social media time with healthier activities that still give you a sense of belonging.