During quarantine, I had a lot of time to think. I spent most of my days sitting on the couch and dreaming about all the things I wished I could be doing. Instead of going out with friends, I spent countless hours scrolling through TikTok and putting off my schoolwork.
As my TikTok addiction developed, I found my screen time skyrocketing, and my self esteem gradually getting lower. It took me weeks to realize that TikTok was actually starting to affect my mental health. I was spending each day staring at my phone screen and subconsciously comparing myself to the pretty girls I saw on the app.
Once I acknowledged the effect my screen time was having on me, I knew I had to do something. I was done wasting my days away on my phone.
I analyzed my screen time in Settings, and I discovered the option to set app limits for yourself. I decided to set limits for Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, as those are the social media platforms I use the most. The results were liberating.
I was spending less time on my phone, and more time on bettering myself. I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I was honestly surprised by how much of a difference lowering my screen time had on me.
Going into summer, I think setting app limits is a great way to practice living in the moment and appreciating each day. If you are all too familiar with the social media addiction like me, I highly reccommend you consider monitoring your screen time. You may be surprised at the difference it makes!