Let’s face it, your phone is likely less than two feet away from you right now and the screen is likely going to light up with another notification in less than two minutes. This constant stream of updates, likes, and follows is the new standard; one on which we rely in order to get through the slow parts of the day. According to a study by marketing agency Mediakix, the average American will spend more than five years of their life on social media. What if we all decided to invest a little more time each day looking up from the screen, cutting those five years down to four? About a month ago, I was killing time by scrolling through my Facebook feed, and amidst the endless obsession-inducing memes, BuzzFeed tasty videos, and game-day pictures, one post caught my attention. It was post written by my friend Susie Hagan, a sophomore in the U of M nursing program, making a commitment to reduce her online presence in hopes of reconnecting with her own values and independence. I was very intrigued by this social media “detox” of sorts, so decided to chat with Susie about what inspired her and how things are going thus far:
Her Campus: What provoked you to reduce your social media use?
Susie Hagan: This is probably going to sound like the “hipster-est” of answers here, but I just felt that I wasn’t being myself. To me, fitting in was doing what everyone wanted of me and expected of me. I found that I would tweak aspects of how I presented myself online based on how I could stand out, or what my “followers” and “friends” wanted to see. I have always been someone who enjoys spontaneity and self-expression, yet found that I would constantly be wondering “what will people think if I post this?” I eventually came to the personal conclusion that social media was not enough of a positive addition to who I was; if anything, it was keeping me from the unique individual I want to be.
HC: How did people react to your Facebook post declaring that you would be going offline for a bit?
SH: People were really supportive! Many questioned my motives; when I explained my reasoning, they old me they wanted to do something very similar but were afraid or just “too addicted” to actually follow through with it.
HC: What have you noticed since you made the change?
SH: One thing I have noticed is that I am much less judgmental of myself. I have found much more appreciation for who I am because I am no longer constantly holding myself to other people’s standards. Something else I’ve noticed is just how much our generation depends on social media. People can be so afraid of discomfort at times— whether standing in lines, or walking from place to place. We are afraid of being alone, which is funny because I have never felt more connected to people than now, without my social media accounts.
HC: What have your biggest challenges been?
SH: My biggest challenge was probably the first week. I had built up habits like sitting on my phone on the bus or snap chatting people while walking to class. Not having that was uncomfortable and a little nerve wracking at first.
HC: Do you ever feel like you are out of the loop?
SH: Yes and no. I am out of the loop in the sense that I don’t know what everyone is up to every minute of the day. Honestly I’ve come to really appreciate that, because now when I do see people I can genuinely ask what has been going in their lives without any preconceived ideas. This leads much more productive and meaningful conversation.
I am not completely out of the loop though — at this point, my friends know that I won’t be seeing everything online, so they go out of their way to fill me in. In many ways I feel more included even within my own friend group.
HC: Do you think our generation struggles with talking to each other face to face?
SH: Absolutely! This doesn’t account for everyone of course; I know plenty of people who exhibit great balance between social media life and “real life.” But still, more and more people today don’t know how to be uncomfortable. As soon as people feel a conversation slowing to an awkward pause, they resort to their phones as an escape from the situation. Discomfort is such a valuable learning tool that not enough people today are willing to utilize.
HC: Do you think you will keep it this way after January 1st?
SH: For the most part yes! I plan on definitely keeping my social media off of my phone just because of the positive impact it has had on my life so far. I don’t think I will be reactivating my Snapchat, Twitter, or Instagram. The only social media I may start up again is Facebook, but it was never much of a distraction for me in the first place (aside from the cooking videos. I could watch those for days!). I mostly just want Facebook back because I miss being able to see what my friends that live far away are up to. Plus, I’ve realized how much Facebook simplifies things like event planning and simple communication amongst a group of people, which is a convenience I would like to have back.
HC: What are some tips you have for students who want to try moving away from social media use but are anxious about the void it will leave?
SH: Acknowledge what is missing, but also realize that its absence creates so much room for other things. Find things you actually like to do, not things that others would want you to do (such as scrolling through Instagram and like their photos). Yes, you will get bored at times, but when you’re bored you’ll be more willing to reach out others, promoting the real happiness you feel rather than the fake happiness you display.
Images courtesy of: Giphy,