Turn off social media, turn on life

Nowadays, stepping away from screens of our digital devices seems unnatural and almost impossible.

We live in an era where technology is at our fingertips. And, with the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI), social media platforms are becoming sexier each passing day.

Yet beneath the endless scrolling of curated videos and news feeds, lies something rather difficult to escape from: addiction. 

Overstimulation, cyberbullying, and the constant pressure to keep up are taking a toll, particularly on the youth.

The digital world, once a place for connectivity, has become a source of anxiety, self-doubt and crime, among other pitfalls of social media.

The line between reality and online persona is now blurred, thus creating a validation seeking attitude, especially among the youth.

That’s why there’s a need to have digital detox, staying off grid for a sizable amount of time to reclaim control of our lives.

Because living is physical and social; therefore, we must cherish face-to-face interactions more than hybrid connections.

Have you ever picked up your phone to check messages, only to lose an hour or more scrolling through WhatsApp, Facebook or TikTok?

That’s unhealthy both emotionally and socially. We disconnect from our loved ones around us and box out ourselves in a bubble. 

I witnessed this firsthand recently in the campus cafeteria. 

A couple sat at a table opposite mine. Beside them, there was a little girl fancying in her dreamland as each of her parents scrolled through social media apps.

The parents virtually ignored the girl, and out of sympathy, I waved at the girl, but her mother quickly interpreted the coded message. She then buried her face in the chest. 

Embarrassment. 

That’s how glued some of us have become to our screens, ignoring our spouses, children, and even worse, our duties at work.

It’s a serious problem that needs to be addressed with urgency.

Research shows that an average person spends nearly seven hours staring at screens. This precious amount of time we could use for school and business, for example.

It is time to break free and turn on life, because the benefits outweigh the costs.

Reduced screen time influences one’s mental health, resulting in increased life satisfaction and contentment. No more feeling under or less than. 

Additionally, digital detox reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression among the youth. We would also save data bundles.

Further, reducing screen time can alleviate physical discomforts such as eye strain and neck pain, contributing to overall physical well-being.

All this is possible if we are intentional to stay off our screens. We must set boundaries and be online if and when necessary.

Set specific screen times and religiously adhere to such routines. If possible, one can stay off addictive social media platforms for a day, a week, a month or even a year.

This strategy is viable for those whose lives would not be disrupted if they reduce their digital presence. For example, those who do business online or those who work online. 

Let’s rediscover life beyond the screens by being present to our loved ones at home, in classrooms, during meetings and most importantly in real-world interactions.

Turn on life and off the screens.