I've been meaning to write an article like this for quite some time. The only problem was, it would require me to not use social media for a week. Seems like a doable task, right? I thought so. But week after week I would convince myself that something was going to happen that would require me to use social media. "I'm going to be at this place--I'll have to post a picture." "I'm going to be with this person--I want to snapchat us!"
Finally, I realized that there would be no perfect time for me to drop social media. Our every day lives are consumed by articles on Facebook, pictures on Instagram, so on and so forth. So I made a commitment and stuck to it. Not going to lie, it was not fun having to commit to it. Let me tell you: FOMO is real. FOMO = Fear of missing out. I was so fearful that I was going to miss out on so much. Whether it be what my friends are up to for the night, or some important world event, how would I know if I can't check Facebook?! I was worried that I would be left out and become isolated from my friends who were on social media.
First let me tell you what didn't happen...
1. I didn't die. Really. I made it through the whole week. It is possible.
2. I also didn't get distracted from more important things (i.e. Homework, studying, reading). I moved all of my social media apps to a new screen so I wouldn't forget and accidentally open them. I, multiple times throughout the week, found myself opening my phone in the middle of my studies, realizing that the only reason I opened it was to get on social media. I never realized how distracting it was until I didn't have it!
3. I didn't completely miss some big news event. I still found out that Donald Trump and Kanye West had a little bromance meeting. I still knew the plans my friends had to go out. My fear of missing out was mistaken, and it actually felt good to not be so caught up in other people's business.
Now for what did happen...
1. I did have more time for things that are of much more significance. Studying, family, etc. I wasn't always so concerned with who posted what, so I found that I had more time to utilize throughout my day to do other things. When I was bored, I found myself opening my phone to go through my Twitter feed. Then I remembered that I didn't have that option, so I came up with more creative things to do. Who would have known that maybe I do actually have time to read??
2. I did realize that it doesn't matter. Social media is great, don't get me wrong. I love being able to stay updated in the lives of those I care about. But a week away from it all is not going to make or break you. Overall, it really doesn't matter, and it is possible to live without it. If something important is taking place, you will find out.
3. I did find myself being more confident. How many of you have ever felt personally victimized by the standards that are put in front of your face on social media every day? Maybe you're so used to it that it doesn't phase you anymore. Or maybe you're totally aware of it, but that's just how it is, so you put up with it. If you find yourself feeling down or having low self esteem, I encourage you to take a week off from social media. You won't see beauty ads. You won't see pictures of those beautiful people you went to high school with who really seem to have their lives together. You won't have those people to compare yourself to. Don't think it'll help? Give it a shot. You got nothing to lose.
