Is Social Media an Addiction We Never Knew?
American author, Simon Sinek, states that millennials use mobile phones and social media for the release of the overly addictive hormone called dopamine which determines how we feel pleasure to guide us through the high pressures of adolescence. Dopamine is released into our brains every time we receive a like, message and so on- and the addiction starts. Unlike alcohol, drugs and gambling, there are not any severe restrictions for social media with the advantage of it being free.
“Dopamine is the exact same chemical that makes us feel good when we smoke, when we drink and when we gamble. In other words, it’s highly, highly addictive.”- Simon Sinek
In this day in age, most adolescents seek constant and instant gratification, encouraging us to adopt lazy and addictive personalities where we always feel the need to entertain ourselves.
With the instant tap of a finger, you can get a hit of dopamine and feel slightly more prepped for the day. Why is that we check our social media as soon as we wake up in the morning or before we go to bed? As sad as it is, social media reassures us that we are wanted and loved, in ways that other people don't, without even having to get out of bed.
However, mobile phones and social media are not always damaging. Like most activities, they are fun and useful until you overdo them.
“There is nothing wrong with social media and cellphones. It’s the imbalance.”- Simon Sinek
Most of us are aware that we are addicted to our mobile phones and social media. There is enough proof, people and websites pushing it in our faces but it is not enough just acknowledging the problem. Nevertheless, yes, that is the first step. We must dispose of our bad habits and appreciate other things in life.
People who spend more time on social media suffer higher rates of depression than people who spend less time on social media. Excessive social media use can unwillingly cause you to fall into depression and insecurity. However, if you are careful and use social media responsibly, then you can use it to your social, career and productivity advantage.
At the age of 21, I am the proud owner of too many social media accounts. It has taken me 10 years of unnecessary distraction from social media to finally understand that the addictive scrolling is a serious problem. The use of social media has made me feel connected to the world, but in consequence, has made me more disconnected to my mentality and immediate surroundings.
Thinking back to the day when my mum told she had made me a Facebook account, it seemed to me at the time like it was the best day of my life. I remember being so excited about it because all my other friends had it, so that meant it was OK, right? Well- according to Facebook, it was not.
At the adolescent age of 11, my parents allowed me to start the journey of building my online identity. The age restriction for Facebook at the time was 13. Did my feelings of being left out and the upcoming norm pressure my parents?
Growing up as a relatively playful and outgoing child, in what I call the last generation to grow up with playing with toys, nothing excited me more than my parents allowing me to play games on the computer. Facebook was just the next step. Facebook was the place where I could chat with my primary school friends and feel like an ‘adult’; it was the place where I could be cool and popular! All this at the age of 11, what more could you want?
Here are 6 ways to increase your productivity without social media distraction:
1. Turn off your notifications
Constant notifications are the biggest fault when keeping us attached to our phones and social media. They are a continual distraction that stops us from completing essential tasks. Don’t let notifications influence what you do, and when you do it.
2. Put your phone on do not disturb
If you’re not sure about turning off all of your notification then leave your phone on do not disturb. Do not disturb will keep your phone from lighting up, vibrating meaning you will be able to complete your tasks with peace. The useful part about this method is that you can allow certain notifications to notify you, so you don’t feel completely cut off from the world!
3. Delete your social media apps
If you still can’t put your phone down to browse your social media apps, then temporarily delete them! They will always be available to download. They’re not going anywhere!
4. Change your wallpaper to a dull colour
Selecting a dull colour makes your phone less attractive, which destroys the notion that it is some flashy toy that you need to keep staring at all the time.
5. Listen to podcasts
Podcasts have become very popular in the past two years, and I must say I love listening to them. Podcasts are a great way of informing yourself about topics that you are interested in without being tied down to a screen, which we all need a break from these days. At first, it may be a bit tricky to focus but you can train yourself to listen to them, like anything else. Podcasts are great for listening to whilst going for a walk, whilst doing household chores or doing a commute to and from work.
6. Leave it behind
Try to leave your phone behind, whether you’re just moving around in your house, going to meet a friend and so on. Your phone does not need to be accessible to you at all times, and that works the same for you, you do not need to be reachable all the time either.
Take a break from your phone and recognise the impact that it has on your life, then you can finally work on your habits and be free.
P.S. Here are some more ways on how to increase your productivity if you are struggling with the ones above!
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below!👇
