5 Ways for Adults to Develop Healthy Social Media Habits
When we think about healthy social media habits, we tend to think about kids and teenagers, but adults, especially older adults, can get drawn into unhealthy online habits. Spending too much time on social media can contribute to isolation and depression in adults as well as teens.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your social media habits healthy.
- Set A Daily Limit
Let’s be clear, if you are setting a daily limit and not sticking to it, it won’t work. The new version of IOS for iPhones will actually track the time you spend on certain apps. You might be surprised, unpleasantly, at how many hours you are spending scrolling through feeds. Really set limits on yourself. Do you often find yourself saying you wish you had more time to read, go to the gym, or gather with friends? Social media is cutting into that time!
- Remind Yourself Social Media is a Form of Rose-Colored Glasses
Everyone is presenting a very carefully constructed image of their life and they’re showing you the highs, not the lows. Keep things in perspective when you feel as if everyone is living a better life than you are. Everyone has their troubles, they just aren’t likely to share it on social media.
- When it’s Time to Work, Work
Many jobs require us to stay attached to a computer or phone and stay connected to the internet. However, when it’s work time, keep those social media apps and tabs, closed. Bouncing back and forth impacts productivity and inadvertently keeps you on social media for the majority of the day.
- Minimize the Number of Apps
You don’t need all of the social media apps on your phone to stay connected. Apps like Instagram and Snapchat are made for mobile devices, however, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube can all be accessed on a computer as well. Try to minimize the social media apps on your phone. If you find that you have trouble sticking to your time limits, try keeping the apps that can only be accessed via your smartphone. That way you’ll be less tempted to waste away the hours.
- Put Your Phone Away
It’s become the norm to see everyone’s phones on their desks during the workday and on the table during dinner or drinks. Unless you’re expecting an important text or phone call, challenge yourself to put your phone away while you’re working and socializing. Be present in the moment and forget social media for a while.