How to Break Free From Social Media

    We're all guilty of it, any free time you have you whip out your phone and start scrolling. But how much do we miss from the world around us just by simply lowering our heads and choosing to miss out? Here are 3 easy tips on how to break free from social media and give yourself a chance to discover new hobbies.

http://bit.ly/2kEpm8F

Step 1: Acknowledge your addiction

This is probably the most difficult step, recognizing that your addiction is there. However, once this step is done, you'll be on your way to a better lifestyle and more free time.

Step 2: Resist the urge                                                                  

Whenever you have the urge to log onto a social media website, stop and think why you joined it to begin with. To contact friends and family? Why don't you give them a call instead?

                       http://bit.ly/2k7J5KQ                                

Step 3: Stick to a time slot

Do not log on when you know you still have work that needs to be done. Don't make any deals with yourself, "oh I'll only be only for 30 minutes, then get back to work," because before you know it, 30 minutes becomes 3 hours, and your work is still waiting for you. Only log on once you are completely done with your responsibilities.

http://bit.ly/2kFH0Jg

 

A False Sense of Connection

A False Sense of Connection

Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter allow you to find and connect with just about anyone. Browsing these sites can make you feel connected to a larger community, but such easy, casual connection in an electronic environment can also have its downside.

                                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY

      Social media (Phones, laptops, Ipads, etc.) are distracting us 24/7 from the real world around us to the point where it has allowed us to hide behind screens and limited our social interaction face to face. According to http://socialnetworking.procon.org/ 47% of American adults used social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Classmates.com in 2011, up from 26% in 2008.

My Opinion

      Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tinder, and other social networking devices are beneficial only to the companies who make money from the advertising. Facebook has never brought most of its users anything but a bill of wasted time (something you will never get back) instead of working to improve themselves through good diet, fitness, face to face conversations with real people; these people who are addicted to the crack cocaine of the internet spend days (eventually years) of their waking time posting pictures, commenting on who people are dating, and playing games that they forget about the importance of living in the "real world" the fact we have to distinguish between the real world and that Facebook world is in itself pathetic.

 

 It Harms Your Self-Esteem

     According to http://www.Forbes.com  50% of social media users evaluated their participation in social networking as having an overall negative effect on their lives. Specifically, they singled out the blow to their self-esteem that comes from comparing themselves to peers on Facebook and Twitter as the biggest downfall.

    

Cyber-Bullying

      Kids especially are vulnerable to the practice of cyber-bullying which makes it easier for others to hide behind a screen and anonymously bully or even pose as other people in front of their peers. The devastation of these online attacks can leave deep mental scars. In several well-publicized cases, victims have even been driven to suicide.

Cyber-bullying has spread widely among children and teens, with 42% reporting that they have been victims according to a CBS News report.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     http://tinyurl.com/nywk536

Trouble Sleeping & Insomnia

       Teens might not be getting enough sleep and texting and social media might be to blame. A lack of sleep may be a growing problem because of increases in digital communication among teens. A study conducted at JFK Medical Center in Edison, N.J. by Peter Polos, concluded that teens send an average of 35 to 40 texts before going to bed. They also concluded that in order to get a 'Good night's sleep' you have to be off of your phone, laptop, or any screen for at least 30 minutes before going to sleep.

 

 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/513973376196726179/