Social media can be a convenient way to extend your network, staying in touch with your grandma, or sharing photos of your new puppy. Nevertheless, social media can be temible for your health. It's our use of it that's out of control.
British anthropologist and evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar developed the idea that 150 people is the maximum number of meaningful connections anyone can have. You may have 800 friends on Wechat, but we're not connecting with them in person. Your QQ connections may be vast, but how many of them do you have meaningful interactions with?
If you're using social media to feel more connected, a recent study published in the American Joumal of Health Promotion suggests that it's not working, and it an also contribute to unfavorable connections and even depression. Positive interactions on social media don't help people feel happier. Negative interactions, on the other hand, bring more feelings of sadness. The same goes for comparison, which social media encourages. Another study, published by the American Psychological Association, shows comparing yourself to others via social media also has negative effects, leading to symptoms of depression.
Reaching for your cell phone as a mental break is also a bad idea. Research by Rutgers University compared participants in the midst of completing a task who took a break with their cell phones, with paper and pencils, and who took no break at all. Those who used their cell phones during their break solved 22% fewer problems and took 19% longer to complete their tasks than those under the other two conditions.
So how should you manage your social media usage?
First, know your time and purposes of use. Use the tracking function on your device to find out how much you're using it and what you're using it for. After this, get away from your device unless you have to use it. As tough as it might be, turn off and tune into the world around you.
Then, be in charge of your device, rather than let it be in charge of you. Your phone's rings or vibrations don't mean you must respond to them. Remind yourself that you're in charge, not your device or the people on the other end of it who've just contacted you.
Finally, consider using your device as a relationship builder. Use your apps to find your friends and make your dinner reservation so you can catch up face-to-face your favorite restaurant, where you'll keep your phone out of sight.
When you're in control of your digital consumption, social media becomes a tool to enrich your life and not a distraction (分心) that makes you feel miserable.
