Are you up for a challenge that could change your life? One that could potentially improve your overall mood and increase productivity in areas you enjoy? A personal sacrifice that could improve and deepen interactions in the relationships around you?
The timer would begin on July 1, 2024, and end on December 31, 2024. Beware, it’s a doozy.
The challenge consists of a 30-minute limit per day on social media. This would include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, etc….you get the idea.
The rules are simple. Set a timer for the scrolling process. Once 30 minutes it up, you’re done for the day.
During this time, be conscious of what you post. Are your words or shared memes valuable to others? Does it stir the pot, seem passive/aggressive, or meant to cause a little drama? Is it uplifting, positive, or humorous? Your post is about YOU. Your time is limited, so make it count.
Limit replies. If you love someone else’s post and want to leave words of encouragement, do so. If you don’t agree with a post, there’s an important choice–ignore and scroll or post your argument. Is your opinion respectful and well-thought out, or does encourage friction? Sometimes silence speaks louder than disagreement. In the scheme of things, will your reply make a difference? Again, your comments are about YOU, make them count. You only have 30 minutes.
Turn off notifications. Do you need them? Is it imperative to know someone ‘liked’ your post? If your post isn’t getting feedback, do you attach those reactions (or lack thereof) as a personal reflection on you? It may require some introspection.
It’s an election year, so the majority of posts will be inflammatory, exaggerated, and (gasp!) not entirely true. The challenge may prevent us from getting sucked into the negativity and exacerbate the divisive problem. What if we refuse to engage? What if we simply exercise our right to vote without getting enmeshed in a mob mentality and alienating the ‘other side?’
Many people rely on social media for their livelihood, so timing on-line may need to be adjusted accordingly. Instructional videos from social media sites may need to be utilized for daily life. All of that is adjustable in this challenge. It’s a personal choice and nobody will be the time police but you. Is it a necessity, or an excuse? Only you know the answer.
What if we all, as a whole, limit our intake of negativity, anger, and resentment. What if we restrict the amount of advertisements thrown our way? What if we clear our minds of the overload of information flooding us in every direction as we unconsciously scroll through nonsense? We will never, ever get back the wasted time.
What do we have to lose in doing this little experiment? Even if it’s just for a week? Or a month? Or the whole six months?
My goal is to take my time back and step away from letting the opinions of others affect my mood and mental outlook. I want to be more productive in pursuing my hobbies and exploring life around me. I want to shut out the chaotic noise and take in things that bring me peace.
Are you up for the challenge in whatever time frame fits you? Do you think life will get bigger if social media gets smaller? Do you think it’s possible to find a healthy balance with real life and social media? What are your thoughts?
Source: Social Media Challenge
