How to Tame Your Social Media Addiction
By: Charlie Dorsey
Tags: Future, Self, Self Improvement, Social Media, Social Change

Post meaningful content

Create content that inspires you. Show different sides of yourself to your audience and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Stop trying to take the perfect selfie and start posting about things that matter. This may not get you tons of likes or fame, but it could help prevent the impending doom.

When I initially started making content, I posted about topics that were easy for me to write and make videos about. This worked for a while, but ultimately the superficial topics I chose weren’t meaningful enough. A weak subject matter can lead to your content sounding forced and spammy. People can tell when you’re phoning it in and posting just to post, so choose wisely.

Grow slow

Take your time when growing your social media account(s). Get to know who you’re following, and who’s following you. Be careful who you let into your circle and avoid follow for follow. Screen each potential candidate thoroughly. Is their content high value? Do you like their personality and style? Are they active?

Take the time to check everyone who follows you as well. Are they actually someone you want following you or do they give you bad vibes? Don’t be afraid to remove and/or block users, especially if they leave hateful comments. This can be harder to do the more followers you get, which is why growing slow is so important. If you lay a sturdy foundation at the beginning, you can avoid a lot of drama later on.

Don’t focus on the numbers

I know this is difficult to internalize, but the number of followers or likes you get does not indicate your worth. Many people try getting famous to make money, but you do not need a huge following to get paid opportunities if that is your goal. Obsessing over your stats can also cause anxiety and depression and stunt your creativity. How many times have you given up on a social media account because you didn’t go viral? (I’m on my fourth Instagram account.)

Avoid Spreading Misinformation

Due to a lack of regulation, it is super easy for people to push their agenda and influence the masses. Don’t fall into their trap and spread misinformation. If something sounds far-fetched or like clickbait, promptly do some research on the topic. Before advocating for anyone, make sure you fully comprehend what they represent.

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. — Voltaire

Many people only follow social media accounts that support their current way of thinking. Doing this can cause you to become close-minded to anyone who doesn’t agree with you. Wars happen when two or more groups no longer try to compromise. Respect the fact that everyone has their own beliefs and try to find common ground.

Turn off notifications

Every notification you get is a distraction trying to get you to stay on your phone longer. Turn off any notifications you don’t need. Keep your phone on silent after hours or when you need to focus on a task.

I keep my phone silent most of the time, but when a notification comes up, I take a second to think about whether I really need notifications from that app. If I don’t, I turn them off right away by holding down the notification and toggling “show notification” off. You can also put your phone in Do Not Disturb mode to completely pause all notifications for however long you want.

“So many of us automatically check our phones whenever we hear it vibrate. And most of the time, it’s not even anything important.” — Katy Velvet

Cut down Screen Time

Many mobile phones come with Digital Wellbeing controls that let you see exactly how much time you spend on your phone. They can also be used to set timers that will let you know if you’ve been on an app for too long. Seeing these stats significantly helped me be more aware of the fact that I spend tons of precious time on my phone and adjust accordingly.

Screenshot, Photo by Charlie Dorsey

When social media begins to stress and depress you, take an extended break. If you established a strong relationship with your audience, they will wait respectfully for your return. If you do lose a few followers, they weren’t meant for you. Who knows, you may end up deciding not to come back. If that’s the case, make sure to officially delete your account(s). Otherwise, any personal information you shared will remain online.

Final Thoughts

Watching The Social Dilemma reminded me of the dangers of social media. I have witnessed the polarizing of the US over the years and I’m afraid of where we’re headed. Consumers must redefine the way we use social media before it can cause any more damage to society. If you haven’t watched The Social Dilemma yet, I highly suggest watching it for yourself and sharing it with a friend. Don’t have Netflix? Check out a transcript here.

Have you watched The Social Dilemma? If so, what are your thoughts? Do you believe social media will undoubtedly cause destruction or can it be used to make the world a better place?