Logging Off to Tune in: Why Your Mind Needs a Break

Noise. The battle to be first. The need to be in the know at all times. These three things are arguably the top things social media brings its users. While it is a great thing to have when used to catch up with people who’ve gone adrift, breaks are necessary because the same “escape” social media provides can evolve into an inescapable prison.

Unlike the old days, people don’t run to the television to get news. They go straight to social media. The news presents a packaged and arguably compromised approach to the stories presented. Social media feels more organic with people not paid to present the news in a certain way, but to tell it like it is without being politically correct.

However, social media is addictive. The dopamine hits of likes and engagement over time replace interactions in real life because on social media, everything that goes out is controlled if you’re a content creator or a person who shares things there.

If only a user, constantly scrolling, comparing ourselves to others, and consuming endless streams of information can take a toll on our mental health. That’s why taking a social media break is not just beneficial, it’s essential. One major reason to step away from social media is the added time and focus gained to accomplish other things.

Social media platforms live and die by engagement. The longer users stay on the platform, the more money the platform makes. Advertisers go where people are and where they are continually. Being constantly on social media isn’t a good thing. By taking a break, time is freed up for meaningful activities, like being with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply doing nothing at all. This social media break allows you to be more present and fulfilled in your daily life.

Another benefit of a social media detox is the removal of comparison. Seeing others’ highlights, which is what people do on social media, can have detrimental effects on users’ mental health when their lives are not comparable. Social media sets the stage for people to only show their best or even lie because of the fear their honesty would invite ridicule.

Someone’s vacation photos, career achievements, or even weight loss updates can bring about feelings of inadequacy and envy. Taking a break allows you to step back and remember that social media often presents an idealized version of reality, not the full picture.

Social media breaks can also improve your mental clarity and enhance your relationships. While social media helps us stay connected, it creates a barrier between us and the people we come across in real life. Putting down the phone and engaging in face-to-face interactions strengthens relationships and deepens connections with loved ones, old friends, and with new ones we want to make.

Social media isn’t entirely bad, but if you drink too much water too fast, it can severely harm you. It can be intoxicating, but like alcohol, social media is best consumed in moderation.