Don’t Fall Into the Social Media Trap: Unplug to Reconnect

unplug
Photo by Corinna Hoffman.

What was life like before Facebook and Instagram?

Nowadays with almost everyone owning a smart phone, it is way too easy to get up to speed on everyone else’s seemingly perfect lives. I see photos of friends vacationing in Hawaii or purchasing a new car, and I have the sudden urge to look up airline tickets and hotel prices… and maybe trade in my car while I’m at it. Some Instagram accounts I follow are posting photos of their perfectly decorated houses as if they have Martha Stewart and Joanna Gaines on speed dial.

Social media has a way of changing my moods. If you feel this way too, then it may be time to disconnect. Comparison is a thief of joy, and screen addiction can impact your quality of life at home and with your family. Realizing you have a problem is the first step, and getting help from your partner or friend to hold you accountable during your screen-free time is important.

I have disconnected from social media before, but mainly for two reasons: One, we were camping and the service there was pretty bad, so I took it as a sign to just get off the phone and focus on what was in front of me (my family enjoying nature). And two, we went on family cruise, and I did not want to pay for expensive data coverage, so for a few glorious days, I had no contact with the world except for the people I was with during that trip. It was invigorating to just be present in the moment!

It is so easy to fall into the social media trap when I am at home, though. I tried to unplug for the whole weekend, and that was not easy to do, believe me. So I recommend taking a few baby steps:

1. Detach from technology with technology.

Sounds ironic, right? Download productivity apps; my favorite one to use is Moment. It tracks my screen time and how many times I pick up my phone in one day. How much is too much, you ask? Everyone is different. I think mine is in the crack-addiction level, so I am being proactive by trying to cut down at least 10 percent of my phone usage on the following day. There are times I do need my phone for work, and that requires more screen time. The Moment app can track for you only during certain times of the day, or you can set a screen-free time during dinner and bath time.

2. Don’t follow the herd.

Unfollow Instagram accounts or hide posts from friends on Facebook without unfriending them if you notice your mood changes after seeing their posts. Odds are that they probably won’t even notice if you unfollowed them anyway. You are less likely to check your phone if you stop comparing what your day is like to other moms. You might even actually get to play with your child and do something fun outside the house rather than shop online for the latest fashion trend or new home decor.

3. Set a certain time to check email or social media, and stick to it.

I do not consider email as social media, but it does lead me to Pinterest and Facebook, and that is where I get sidetracked and lose time. Set a time block during the day when to check email. I notice that I if I stick with the set time I give myself in the beginning, I am less agitated throughout the day, and I become more productive. My photo clients may message me on Facebook or show me a pinned photo on Pinterest, and that is where the distraction starts for me. So I challenge myself to return messages only during that time block. It is easier said than done, and I am still working on this myself, but remember about having our family and friends holding us accountable in regards to screen-free time? Well, let them.

4. Take a mini break.

Go for a walk with your children. Read a book. Or listen to your audio-books with your iPad on airplane mode so you are not tempted to check social media. Treat yourself to a spa day if budget allows — and you better not be checking your phone then while getting a massage.

5. Snap photo, enjoy moment, post later.

I am obsessed with taking photos of my child, but it does not mean I have to upload all of his photos right away on social media for everyone to see. Instead, I take the photos and continue to be present in the moment with him. It is okay if you do not update everyone about your kids by the hour. As a matter of fact, I think everyone will appreciate that you don’t — unless they go by the name of Nana or Grandma.

Lastly, did you know that the second Friday in March is the National Day of Unplugging? It entails disconnecting from all devices such as your tablet and cellphone over a 24-hour period, which might not be feasible for some who do need to use those devices for work. But I, at least, challenge you to unplug from social media from sundown on Friday, March 9 to sundown on Saturday, March 10, which includes no screen time for your kids.

Let me know what works for you, and cheers to having a good ol’ game night with the family!

Corinna Hoffman
Jacksonville University alumna, Corinna Hoffman is a professional family and baby photographer working at her studio located in Riverside. She is a Yankees fan married to a Red Sox fan by choice. Corinna and her husband, Robert, are both passionate about their baseball teams just as much as they are with the Jacksonville Jaguars! They have been married for 15 years now and have two boys, Lincoln and Lochlan. When she is not photographing other people’s children, she is always taking photos of her kids as you can tell by her Instagram posts. They like to support all things local. Find them at a mom and pop's restaurant, brewery, or family events like the Jumbo Shrimp baseball games. They love the outdoors and camping so you might also find them hiking the nature trails in town!

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here