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The Art of Unplugging: Social Media Detox in the Modern Lifestyle

Rediscovering Balance and Joy Beyond the Digital World

By Kriselle PortilloPublished 3 days ago 3 min read

Don't miss out, or does the fear of missing out (FOMO) ever cross your mind? You may have no idea what it implies. Consequently, you are unaware that you are already going through it because of this. The fear of missing out (FOMO) has developed into a more widespread phenomenon over the past few years, which is unsurprising given that we live in a modern world where social media is already an integral part of our daily routine.

A common emotional reaction to the impression that others have better lives or are passing up great possibilities is FOMO, or fear of missing out. Common feelings that come from it include anxiety, depression, dissatisfaction, and stress.

Psychologists used the term FOMO, which stands for "Fear Of Missing Out," in the early 2000s. You likely suffer from FOMO if you are preoccupied with checking your phone frequently, seeking approval from others, engaging in activities solely to stay current on trends, finding it difficult to say no, preoccupied with overthinking every situation, and obsessed with attending events and parties despite feeling unwell or uneasy.

Although fear of missing out (FOMO) has not been officially classified as a mental illness, it is a natural phenomenon that has the potential to affect both your emotional and physical well-being. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may develop poor self-esteem, social isolation, anxiety, or even suffer from depression.

As a result, cleansing one's social media accounts is essential. To "detox" from social media is to intentionally stop using and consuming content from these platforms for a set amount of time, which can be anything from seven days to a year (or more, depending on the person and their situation). Removing or turning off specific apps can eliminate all traces of social media from one's device.

Social media is intended to be enjoyable and primarily used for entertainment purposes. However, this is no longer the case, as it negatively influences others and prompts them to compare their life to others. Detoxing from social media is the key to regaining the much-needed space and clarity. Engaging in a social media detox will help you in distinguishing the actual world from the one you have constructed through your exposure to social media content.

The process of beginning a social media detox is not easy; you will undoubtedly find yourself grabbing your phone, and you may even feel you are unable to complete the detox. However, you can accomplish it if you put your mind to it. There are several advantages to taking a break from social media, such as being more productive rather than mindlessly scrolling through your feed. You may do many enjoyable things in your leisure, such as reading, traveling, spending more time with loved ones, and even learning something new. Simultaneously, it will help you feel more grounded in reality while reducing anxiety.

It is possible to overcome the fear of missing out (FOMO) by acknowledging that social media plays a role in the issue. It has been suggested that a detox from social media could bring you one step closer to overcoming the problem. Following the successful resolution of the matter, you will be able to resume using social media applications with a greater sense of knowledge and a more effective strategy.

FOMO can be a major distraction from what's really happening around us. Take a moment to evaluate yourself if you're going through it. Take action immediately; a social media detox is essential. Don't let this "phenomenon" prevent you from reaching your full potential. Embrace your unique journey and live life to the fullest without getting caught up in comparisons!

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About the Creator

Kriselle Portillo

Dedicated fourth-year Journalism student at the Polytechnic University of

the Philippines who enjoys writing and sharing her experiences to

encourage others.

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    Kriselle PortilloWritten by Kriselle Portillo

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