Going Offline: 4 Reasons why a social media detox is essential for you

If you are part of the 5.7million who follows iconic popstar Ed Sheeran on Instagram, you would probably be madly shocked by his sudden decision to “bugger off a bit” till this autumn—which is a pretty a long time if you ask us.

“Is that really necessary?” you may ask. Our answer is: Yes, it is. If you want to see and feel things you have not seen and felt for a long time, it’s time to unplug.

In a digital era where we replace oxygen with WiFi, the obsessive need to be online 24/7 can be nerve-wrecking; where liking or commenting on your friends’ food posts has become more than entertainment, but a job. The term ‘social media detox’ is coined to describe a period of time where you will abstain from all your devices, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and yes probably emails too.

Though it can be seemingly impossible to do so, we bring you some reasons as to why you need to consider undergoing a social media fast:

Less anxiety

Having your smart phone by your side can make you needlessly anxious and create unnecessary stress that can affect your health. Imagine checking your notifications non-stop even while having your meals, taking the train home and even sleeping. Unplugging for a while will reduce the fear that you’re missing out crucial happenings over at Instagram. Remember those days when you picked up the phone to let your best friend know that you’ve nailed a job? Do that instead, connect personally again.

Renewed focus.

“Let me scroll my Insta-feed for a while before starting on my essay.” Procrastination is our number one enemy, and yet we’ve allowed it to control our lives again and again. Trust us, you will finish the essay in half the time you require if you skipped the scrolling.

Higher self esteem.

We can’t deny the fact that the incessant scrolling also brings constant comparing of our lives with others. A study by the University of Salford in 2012 about social media’s effect on self-esteem and anxiety found out that 50% of the 298 participants said that Facebook and Twitter made their lives worse and their confidence suffers when they compare themselves to their online friends. Depression, low self esteem, inferiority – are just some of things we face while being exposed to others’ lives continually. Go offline for a bit and it may help you regain your confidence.

Seeing the not-so-obvious.

Let’s have a challenge: try taking the train home for a month and notice the young father who patiently wipes off his drooling son every single day. As Ed says it beautifully, let’s see the world with our eyes, not our screens.

It’s funny how we used to fast from food, and now from online apps—but do give it a try and feel all the difference.

Sharon Salim