Since 2011, I’ve taken a social media break of some form. Over the last four years, however, I’ve been pretty religious about it; I usually take two full months off, fully disconnected.
I want to share why, in case it’s useful to anyone out there.
First, 2020 has been especially tough, because social media has helped us stay informed, connected and entertained in our forced isolation during a global pandemic. But principles are principles, even at the tail end of the year, and so the break must happen.
These breaks are a full disconnect from social media. I normally turn off/block all social media apps on phone. Thankfully now, I just have turn off my always-on VPN (and not pay OTT tax) and I know I won’t have access to Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, etc. in Uganda.
Frankly speaking, it’s not easy disconnecting. I thrive on learning, sharing and engaging with the brilliant people online. But I also know that addictions sneak up on you, and the only way to control them is to remind yourself – and prove – that you are still in control.
The primary reason I disconnect is to step back from the noise. Social media has a very poor signal to noise ratio; there is far more nonsense pushed in your face than useful content. Filtering gets harder each day, and it gets even harder stay focused and on task.
Our minds at once fascinated, addicted, trapped, confused and overwhelmed by what we consume, and social media platforms are designed to feed us more of what we consume. In the age of disinformation, it’s incredibly easy to get trapped in crazy places.
Google “doomscrolling.”
But, the more we consume online, with tweets, likes, swipes and endless scrolling, the more we detach from the world around us. We lose sight of what’s immediately outside these little boxes of light we’re so fascinated by, and before we know it, our lives have disappeared.
It’s not just about losing productivity, it’s about… losing the living part. I am woefully guilty of being glued to screens. 80% of my work happens at my desk, on a phone or a computer. Which is why I am always intentional about taking extended time away from social media.
So what is it actually like?
First, it’s freaky, like all addictions are (depending on how much you are addicted). You will want to quit, you’ll feel this desire to just check one thing. You’ll find yourself unlocking your phone unnecessarily. The first days are almost always the toughest, because the habit (and the reality) hasn’t yet kicked in properly.
But eventually, you find that you have a lot of time on your hands, and I cannot overstate how much time you get back. It’s a lot.
And – this is the most important part for me – by eliminating that thing which has been consistently taking time, I now have time for other things.
So I use this recovered time to read, learn and continue working on my hobbies (art, music, writing, etc.) I also find that I can spend more time with the people I care about and have (even) deep(er) conversations.
Or just go somewhere quiet and read a good book.
I also use this time to do a lot of self-reflection, planning, goal reviews and goal setting. There’s more focus and more clarity when you’re not overwhelmed and distracted by what’s happening in the world. It’s amazing the things you can do once you get back your time.
And finally, I give my mind a rest. The constant cycle of bad news, negativity, hate, etc. can lead to very poor mental health and for many people, depression. I find that I need to be intentional about giving my mind a break from information overload.
So, this year’s break will one month, starting tomorrow. I’d have liked to do the usual two months, but there’s too much that needs attention in December, but one month is a compromise I’m happy to make.
So, onwards, and upwards, and do take care of yourselves out here.
PS: I will still be writing and sharing through The Red Notebook and via our Notes & Thoughts Newsletter (subscribe today!)
Ivan Kabandize manages our social media, so I won’t have to get online.
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