The internet can be a dangerous place—not only because it’s a source for cybercrime and identity theft but also because social media encourages us to present an idyllic version of our lives to the world. We might do this through flawless selfies on Instagram or by bragging about our latest 918kiss wins on Facebook.
It can be hard not to judge yourself against these perfect images of other people’s lives, making us feel that our existence isn’t quite up to par.
Here are some of the reasons why you should take an internet detox.
Stress
Stress is a serious health condition, and the World Health Organization estimates that at least half of all people suffer from it.
We can spend our time scrolling through social media, comparing ourselves to others, and feeling like we’re never good enough, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.
This tendency to compare is one reason why some people might choose to take an internet detox. Your time spent on social media is precious, so don’t waste it comparing yourself to other people.
Mental Health Concerns
Excessive use of social media can lead to mental health issues, including eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
You must understand the impact social media has on your life to moderate it in a way that benefits you. If there are specific aspects of social media that harm your well-being, then take steps to reduce your use of the apps and websites that trigger those issues.
People can become obsessed with their appearance on social media, which has led to a rise in eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. While sites like Instagram allow us to see images of our favorite celebrities looking beautiful and perfect, these images are often digitally enhanced to make the person look better than they usually would.
An internet detox gives you time away from social media to live your life in real time rather than looking at images of other people’s lives that may not be truthful.
Losing Sleep
We must get a good night’s sleep, but scrolling through social media can disturb our shuteye. The blue light emitted from phones and computers tells the brain it’s time to wake up, making it even harder to get to sleep.
This is why you may find that by going on an internet detox and limiting your exposure to social media, you’re more likely to get a good night’s sleep.
Productivity
We all need a bit of downtime to unwind and relax, but the constant urge to check our social media feeds can harm our productivity at work.
We may feel the need to check Instagram or Facebook every few minutes because we’re worried about what people are saying about us, which means that we spend our time constantly looking at our phones instead of focusing on the task at hand.
If you want to increase your productivity, an internet detox may be the answer. It will enable you to stay focused on your work without being distracted by notifications.
