The Philippine government is preparing to officially retire its outdated 2G and 3G mobile networks. The goal is to free up valuable radio frequencies so they can be used by faster, modern 4G and especially 5G services. But before this could happen, this transition requires the passage of a new law, the Konektadong Pinoy Act, according to Henry Aguda, Information Secretary for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Aguda explained that because only about 1 in 7 Filipinos (roughly 15%) still uses basic 2G or 3G phones, it makes sense to shut these networks down. Retiring these old networks also helps unlock more of this valuable network spectrum for new internet players entering the Philippine market. How to survive on limited data and volume-based Internet subscriptions Cheapest unlimited Fiber internet plans in the Philippines Once the act is law, allocating freed-up frequencies to these new companies will be easier. Aguda hopes this will help lower...
Thanks to technological advancements, the world has developed rapidly, and part of this development is ensuring that we communicate easily and stay updated with the happenings not only among family and friends but also throughout the world.
While plenty of online platforms–particularly those categorized as “social media”–help entertain, share news, and receive information, they can also become pretty overwhelming. This article will discuss social media breaks, particularly, and how they can help ease the uncomfortable feelings that come with overuse.
What is meant by “social media break”?
Social media breaks are literally what they are: a break or rest from using various social media platforms. Depending on how a person wants to do it or how they feel, it can best work for them; this can be done in multiple ways.
One can deactivate their account(s) if there is the option to deactivate (such as in Facebook) and return anytime, while there is also the traditional staying away from gadgets (phones, laptops) and keeping distance by hiding or locking them temporarily.
Social media breaks refer not only to Facebook, Instagram, and the other common apps where we interact with friends/family, but they may also refer to video games, particularly online multiplayer. Whatever platform or application can be considered socially open to the world, it is where a break or pause can be applied.
Why do people have social media breaks?
The moment you wake up, more often than not, the first object you look for is either your phone or laptop to check if there are any new messages or notifications overnight. There might be short pauses within the day–– listening in class, working on a task in the office, or even doing household chores–– but still, there is social media presence.
For most people, it becomes too distracting, especially when there are important tasks on hand that need focus, while another top reason is to take care of one’s mental health because of the overwhelming effects of interaction and information online.
Whether for a personal reason or simply to temporarily step back from using too many gadgets, the option to take social media breaks is readily available, and most of the time, we do not need to explain why we chose to do so.
Benefits of taking a social media break
As mentioned above, the reason for trying it could be on a more personal level. So, what are the benefits of attempting a social media break? Here are some of them.
Mental health improvement
Several studies have been conducted regarding the relationship between using social media and our mental health, especially when it comes to young people. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic alone, a cross-national online survey done in the US, UK, Norway, and Australia in 2022 showed that people experienced a decrease in mental health from spending too much time on social media.
Meanwhile, in 2021, a study asked 68 university students to participate in the research and found a significant change towards a more positive mood, reduced anxiety, and even improved sleep after a social media break.
As stated earlier, being online allows us to connect and gather updates about other people and the world, but there are times when too much information found across platforms could potentially affect our minds and emotions. A break could help us breathe and rest our minds from too much information.
Rebuild a sense of self-confidence
One factor that negatively impacts the overall mental and emotional health of online users is the increased awareness of their (social) image, which is reflected not only in the photos posted online but also in how one interacts in the cyber world.
By stepping away from social media, there is a sense of self-reflection and of rebuilding the image we have of ourselves versus the comments we hear online. It allows us to be us and to give time for ourselves, a sort of “me-time” where we don’t constantly wait for responses or rely on apps to affirm our happiness.
Set goals and achievements at your own pace
Another downside of social media use is the so-called “FOMO” or “Fear of Missing Out,” which means that an individual feels like he/she is not making any significant improvements or progress in his/her life compared to friends or family activities seen online.
This FOMO moment can trigger anxieties due to feeling pressured by how you feel like you’re being left behind once you see others traveling to places you’ve dreamt of visiting, finally landing stable jobs, and other achievements, which is something to be proud of, but can also lead to a sense of feeling left behind.
By taking social media breaks, there is the tendency to focus on your current goals — whether they are short or long-term ones — and understand that it doesn’t matter how long it takes to reach them, what matters is that you’re moving.
It’s the kind of break where you are not pressured to “compete” against others by setting some sort of deadline when you will post achievements; rather, your achievements are something that you personally celebrate for making it through.
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Other activities to do while on social media break
So, while on social media break, what are other activities to do to keep you distracted from picking up your phone or laptop? Here are our recommended alternatives.
Do arts and crafts
One of the best ways to release stress and anxiety, outside of playing video games or browsing online, is to pick up art materials or go through a coloring book and color the pages. It’s a calming activity that helps relax the nerves, and it is also a way to unleash your inner artist that might not have gotten a chance to explore through drawing, coloring, or painting. It’s also a great way to pass the time, especially when working on projects you have committed to.
Read or finish a book
Have you been thinking about finishing that novel you started weeks ago? How about starting one, then? Perhaps one of the reasons we can’t get around to starting a new hobby, such as arts and crafts or reading, is that we tend to spend our free time online. Yes, there are now e-books or e-reading apps, but if our objective is to reduce screen time and ensure we stay away from gadget use, physical books are always the best go-to habit to hop on.
Go outdoors
Visit places you’ve seen online but never had the chance to go to. Better yet, walk to your nearest local park and stroll or jog around with a family or friend, your dog(s), or just by yourself. Sometimes, local events are going on that allow you to interact with others or explore what people have to offer. Going outdoors and focusing on the goings-on in your surroundings is a social break enough to rest your mind and eyes from the online world.
Hang out with friends and family
Instead of chatting (or video calling) them online, why not just call them for a meet-up? Plan activities you should try doing or going to places together and ensure that everyone will commit to the schedule. It’s not only a great way to physically bond with everyone, but maybe it’s also a reminder to step out of social media in order to make real connections with people we would otherwise just communicate with online on busy days.
Take a break from virtual connections and experience physical connections
To ‘disconnect’ from reality can be felt when we are too absorbed with the ease and comfort that too much screentime offers. Remember, this is not to say or disregard the many benefits of technology, including social media.
Perhaps what this article is trying to point out is the limits of our human brain (and even our physical health) to spend time online before we start experiencing the downside that could potentially affect us in the long run and for long periods — mental and emotional wellbeing, most especially, as something that can stay with us throughout our lives.
Social media breaks can be done at your own pace, in your own time. Why try doing it for a day to start? Let us know if you have experience doing social media breaks and what your story is.
This article, Reflect and Relax: On Social Media Break, was originally published at NoypiGeeks | Philippines Technology News, Reviews and How to's.
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