Secure the Scroll: Smart Social Media Habits for the Modern Tech User
Social media has many powerful benefits for the modern tech user, but without smart habits, it could very well consume you. Studies have shown an increasingly concerning rise in social media addiction amongst the population. This isn’t just teens with their eyes glazed over browsing TikTok. People of all ages and backgrounds have found themselves on those titular “doom scrolls” when they have their phone in hand.
While it’s easy to say “just log off,” people often underestimate how much of their lives are tied to these social websites. Friends and family, business, or even romances can start when using these apps. In truth, you likely aren’t doing any of those things 90% of the time. Think about how much time you’ve spent looking at memes versus actual connections with people. You can live off the grid even with internet access, so long as you maintain these habits.
Why Excessive Social Media Is Dangerous
Simply put, social media is an addictive substance when used in excess, only digital. Using social media poses plenty of risks, some of which you may not even be aware of. That does not make it inherently bad, of course. People develop addictions to plenty of things, be it caffeine or sweets. However, what makes social media particularly dangerous is that it does not showcase its immediate negative effects. Most people browse TikTok like breathing, and thus, do not notice how much of their time is consumed by the app.
It’s one thing to utilize social media as an extension of your social life. You can’t be with friends and family 24/7, so social media chats are a nice compromise. However, some people may end up replacing their social time with constant chats. While it’s valid to want chats with loved ones, it can get problematic when that’s the only place you talk to them.
In addition to the obvious time wasting, other studies have more concerning privacy findings. Studies have found that many users overshare too much about themselves in digital spaces. This makes them susceptible to hackers and phishers looking to scam them. Some people may also not want megacorporations having access to their browsing habits.
Did you ever notice how you would be talking about something inane, like feeding your cat while on your phone? You Google that once, and suddenly your whole feed will have ads for cat food. These are personalized ads, and while they can be turned off, it is usually on by default when installing social media apps.
That’s why you must develop smarter social media habits now and prevent online drama.
The Best Social Media Habits
Self-Imposed Curfew
As with anything that you have too much of, the simple yet somehow difficult solution is to simply stop. Every night, set an alarm that signifies your social media time is over. Even if you stumble here and there, the important part is consistency. As much as possible, avoid social media after the curfew.
With a curfew, you’re also more likely to finish whatever you need to do on social media faster. As that clock ticks down, you may even start looking forward to it. Evening should be dedicated to rest, and curfews are the best way to solve that.
Minimize Comments
Comments can be fun, but there are many instances where they are completely unnecessary. Most of all, when it comes to controversy, which you have no impact on. Avoid commenting on polarizing topics unless the discussion adds real value. Focus instead on constructive conversations that foster learning or connection.
Reducing reactive comments also prevents prolonged conflicts. Observe discussions without participating when emotions run high. This approach conserves mental energy and keeps interactions positive.
Avoid Constant Checking
Get rid of all those notifications about the latest deals or what your favorite celebrity is up to. If you want to know about such things, you will check it on your own time. Each ping is a signal flare to use social media more, and you do not want that.
In addition to removing notifications, just turn off your phone when nothing urgent is going on. At the very least, put it down and keep it on only for emergency phone calls. Making this a habit will make your social media addiction much easier to manage.
Find Productive Hobbies
Replace social media time with anything else, as long as it’s productive. Go for a walk with friends instead of hitting the chat apps. Play board games at the local cafe instead of obsessing over whatever social media game is trendy. The important part is you’re having fun and not thinking about your social media reputation.
Social media browsing is a passive hobby, and that makes it easy to do. However, it also provides very little substance to your everyday life. It’s essentially the hobby equivalent of junk food. Shifting your habits towards more productive hobbies will mean greater benefits down the line.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to give up social media. Good habits will make it far easier to stomach. In addition, you should focus on its positives. Quality interactions mean so much more than a like or two online. If you do use social media, only do so when you know something fulfilling awaits you. Engage with fascinating programs, chat with long-distance friends, or really, use it as a platform for good.
Meaningful engagement strengthens relationships and enhances online experiences. Share content that adds value rather than posting for validation. This approach makes social media a tool for genuine connection rather than empty consumption.
