More and more people are taking steps to improve the amount of time they spend on social media. Some are deleting their social media platforms completely, and others are finding ways to help them manage the amount of influence social media has on their lives.
Fact is social media is here to stay. While many people are social media savvy, others find it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is merely portrayed to be real. This could lead to a state of total unawareness and, in some cases, dependency.
By taking a social media hiatus, you allow yourself time to realign your priorities.
A firm sense of identity can help boost your self-confidence and help you set and achieve personal goals. But the first step is taking a social media time-out to rediscover your identity in real-life.
“Seeing yourself primarily in relation to others makes it very difficult to develop a firm sense of your own identity, or to think seriously about (and develop yourself into) the kind of person you would like to be.” – Linda Adams, President and CEO of Gordon Training International
To what extent does social media shape your life? Here are five questions to ask yourself:
Do you get anxious when you are not able to access social media?
How much do you post daily/hourly on social media?
Do you feel negative or low after scrolling through your feed?
How much time is spent on social media in relation to other activities in your life?
Are you setting a good example for your child/children?
People are quick to judge teenagers and even younger children for the amount of time they are glued to screens, but could it not perhaps be our own fault?
Research has shown that children observe and model behaviour from a very early age.
Therefore, it’s important that, as a parent, your actions speak louder than words.
Perhaps it’s not about the amount of time you spend on social media but rather the quality of the content your scrolling and reading? The reasons people make use of social media are complex and multi-faceted, meaning there are no right or wrong answers to questions above. It all depends on what you consider a problem. If any of the questions trigger a worrisome response, then perhaps it’s time to delve a bit deeper and take action.
“Taking control of your life and assuming more responsibility for meeting your needs is an essential first step.” – Linda Adams, President and CEO of Gordon Training International
Learn more: www.parents.co.za/be-your-best
Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication is not to be construed as medical advice. Consult a professional on any medical or psychological concerns. The articles and blogs are posted only as opinion or ideas, and are general in nature. The administrator takes no responsibility for any action or outcome a reader may make as a result of reading a post.