Do you excessively use Social Media?

I realized 3 effects that excessive social media use has on me (including LinkedIn)

1️⃣ I feel mentally "numb."

Especially if I spend time on Social Media first thing in the morning, I lose the sense of freshness and feel worn out when just starting the day.

2️⃣ I feel less motivated to do things that require concentration.

I mainly realize this with reading: If I stay away from social media the whole day, I feel a big desire to read a book before bed.

However, if I spend a lot of time on social media, I feel much more attracted to youtube and other highly stimulating media.

3️⃣ I feel regret and unhappy about myself

Maybe I am being too hard on myself here.

Maybe social media gives some people deep joy.

Maybe it is just the productivity pressure that makes me feel this way.

But never, at the end of the day I look back and tell myself:

"Damn, I am SO HAPPY to have spent all this time on Social Media! What a good use of time!"

I'm not trying to be the booman here who says that everything in the past was better and that the internet and social media are evil.

I LOVE the benefits of social media, like connectivity, entertainment, education, information, creativity, audience, and representation. But the less time I spend on them, the better I feel (about myself).

That's why every evening I ask myself: "How do I feel about your Social Media use today?" Not necessarily referring to how much time I spend on them, but if I consciously made this decision.

➡️ My guideline is: Use those platforms wisely but don't be used by them. Or how Nico puts it in even better words: Consume Less, Create More.

Hope this might inspire you to do the same.

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