SpringIssue2018 JIBSUnitedMagazine

Small tip: Download an application called Forest.
The application uses a timer, and until it sounds, one is
not allowed to use the phone. Perfect for exam periods
when there is a high need of staying focused!
it is not a secret that social media platforms
are addictive. There is actually
even evidence proving that these sits
are continuously improved to keep their
users’ engagement high. This is, for
example, done by using a personalized
news feed for each member. Secondly,
we live in a society that is based on a life
online. Without access to Facebook, the
risk of missing out on important information
or upcoming events is high. This
creates a feeling of being an outsider,
which could be discussed to have the
same negative mental affects as a social
media addiction has.
What Can You Do?
Suddenly I realized, the idea of becoming
more productive as a person instead
made me inefficient in finding information
about everyday-life activities. So, a
couple of days into February, I decided
to access both Snapchat and Facebook
again. I was back online, but this time
mainly for the sake of receiving firsthand
information. However, I had definitely
learned how to use my time more
productively in January. I watched more
Ted Talks than ever, got into the habit
of listening to documentaries instead
of watching Netflix, and I finished that
book I had postponed reading for weeks.
To conclude, I would recommend anyone
who recognizes oneself in the addictive
behavior described, to take a
break from social media, even if just for
a day. Alternatively, why not turn off
the notifications to stay present in the
moment? Social media itself is an astonishing
feature to our society; it has
ever been easier to access information.
However, the addiction is dangerous.
Therefore, it is definitely an interesting
experiment for yourself to see if you rely
your happiness or spend an unnecessary
amount of time on social media platforms.
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