Stop! Before checking your Facebook page or Twitter feed one more time, take a moment to consider the following: As of 2014, nearly three out of four Americans use some form of social networking site. And, almost a quarter of those individuals check their Facebook accounts five or more times a day. When you think about the other activities you make time for at least five times every day, it starts to put your social media habits into perspective. Bottom line: Are you spending too much of your time using social media?
While social networking has changed the way we connect with our community (oftentimes for the better), at what point should we consider that it might be too much of a good thing? As with most things in life, moderation and balance can be key to a healthy mental state. But if you seem to be falling into some of the following habits, it could be time to assess your social media usage.
Loss of Productivity
Do you have trouble getting through your daily to-do list? If so, you may want to check your computer browser to see which windows are always open. According to a Forbes article, 29 percent of workers waste 1 to 2 hours on non-work-related sites each day; more than 50 percent of that time is spent on Facebook. Keep an eye on your work accomplishments. If you’re not getting things done, you could be spending too much time on social media.
Feelings of Anxiety
Picture going to the grocery store, or on a road trip, and forgetting to bring your smart phone. Is the idea frightening? It is for more than half the population. Tying your emotional well-being to an object like your phone, or to Internet access, isn’t healthy. These objects can easily be taken away or lost. If it’s extremely difficult for you to function without these devices, you could be dealing with social media addiction.
At the same time, if getting plenty of “likes” on that clever comment you posted (or not getting enough) is one of the determining factors for your daily mood, perhaps it’s time to assess your usage. When your self-worth is tied to your social media experience, that could be the sign of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
What You Can Do About It
So, how do you overcome a social media addiction—or at least cut back on your usage? Begin by admitting that you may have a problem. Then, once you realize that your social media usage could be spiraling out of control, commit to addressing the problem. There are several things you can do to curb your usage.
First, many people have been successful at setting aside a specific time of the day for social media. The key, of course, is adhering to that timeframe. When you’re not using social media, be sure to turn off any notifications so you won’t be distracted or tempted to rejoin the action. Perhaps an even better approach is to make a list of things you enjoy doing but never seem to be able to fit into your schedule. This can be a real eye-opener as to how much time you’re actually spending—and an incentive to spend your time elsewhere.
Finally, in some instances, there could be an underlying reason you’re spending too much time on social media. If you’re not sure—or you need help addressing the problem—seek help from a mental health professional.
David Lowenstein, Ph.D. is a psychologist and the clinical director of Lowenstein & Associates, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to providing therapeutic services to individuals and families, he offers training and consultation to numerous associations, schools and agencies around the country. Additionally, he is a frequent radio and TV guest and a resource and contributing writer for numerous newspapers and magazines nationwide.
Contact Dr. David Lowenstein at 691 South Fifth Street Columbus, OH 43206 or by phone at 614.443.6155 or 614.444.0432.
