10 Ways To Quit Social Media... Almost
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Ways To Quit Social Media... Almost

More social, less media.

Brent Mitchell Wiggins
Aug 29, 2018
Orlando, Florida
144
https://unsplash.com/photos/QofjUnxy9LY
Becca Tapert

You wake up to a blue screen shining back at you. You scroll through the hot spots, feed on your news feed, only to go to sleep with your phone as your night light again. Social media for all its intents and purposes does not fulfill us as much as we want it to. To get back lost gains, here are ten ways to mostly quit social media.

1. Subscribe and Follow what matters to you.

Giphy

It's not the end of the world if you stop following your friend's dog's Instagram account. Petting the screen just isn't the same. If you have a moral compass, you could always mute their posts, but removing those accounts from your feed won't hurt you. Stick to the necessities, what absolutely matters.

2. Log-in fast, log-out faster.

Giphy

Chances are you never log-out of your profile when your computer can save all your passwords. Get in the habit of being faster than it takes to log-in. Digest the new emails and posts but don't turn it into a feast. The goal is to process what needs to be addressed or kept for later while using your time elsewhere and offline.

3. Fight the urge to join.

Giphy

That newsletter for when shiny shoes go on sale is not what you need in your life. A full inbox that could spill over on to your desktop creates unnecessary digital clutter. Alerts and notifications are meant for more than online interactions. Have it lead to going to an event or meeting up with friends instead.

4. Out of sight, out of mind.

Giphy

Did you know the blue light from our screens can accelerate blindness? What's just as worse? Being addicted to what's on them. If you have to have your device on throughout the day, limit the time you look at your screen. Put your phone on silent or even in another room while you read a book or work on something else. You'll be more productive, alert, and your eyes will thank you.

5. Don't "Like" me. Like me.

Giphy

We spend so much time worrying about being liked in real life. It's easier to be liked online, but a "like" doesn't express the reasons why someone likes you or your post. Validation can be found in more meaningful ways without the internet. Instead of just leaving a like, leave a comment or start a conversation to show you care.

6. Use it or lose it.

Giphy

Social media can get toxic all too often. An argument between two neighbors is now an argument between two neighbors and a third party to force an outcome. It's as pointless as choosing which ice cream flavor is the best. Don't fight fire with fire, put fires out. Be and do better online, make the internet a safe and kind place.

7. Keep it private.

Giphy

Appearing offline or away is not enough anymore. Who you are and what you share online can give you a bad reputation if you're not careful. In polite company, a joke may be understood but a photo of you somewhere can be taken out of context. Be mindful of your privacy settings and avoid posting anything incriminating.

8. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Reboot.

Giphy

Social media is mostly a tool for entertainment that buys your attention. A tool can be amoral however. Learn how to use your platforms in a different way that isn't a complete waste of your time or other people's time. Use it less, use if differently, repeat what works, and redefine social media for the better.

9. From FOMO to JOMO.

Giphy

Trends and news outlets are always changing. Keeping up with everything else becomes less important when being a part of everyone else's race starts to affect you. FOMO, or the fear of missing out, creates unnecessary anxiety but JOMO, the joy of missing out, replaces it with much needed me time. Tap out from the 24-hour media cycle and spend some time outside the digital world.

10. Set it and forget it.

Giphy

In addition to privacy settings and the mute option, there are other ways to interact on social media without really interacting. Planning your posts ahead of time or on a schedule saves more time to do more. Stop keeping track of how many likes and followers you have. Post your post, forget the insults, welcome constructive criticism, and remember the compliments. Try only checking your post at the end of each day, it will keep your head on your shoulders and your feet moving forward.

You don't have to quit all of social media, you just have to reinvent how you use it.

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower.

Providence College
34817
Being Invisible The Best Super Power
i.redd.it

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
supernatural
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
24477
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
300269
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
94141
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
156659
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments