Escape the Social Media Trap: Boost Your Productivity and Happiness in the AI Age

In the increasing age of information technology, algorithms, and AI, social media has also gained massive popularity. It is not just a great way to increase social connectivity and interactions on a global basis, but it is also a very good tool to generate automated passive income and a way to spread awareness.

However, over the years, people have become extremely dependent on social media and virtual life for their existence and lives. People surround their lives with social media, followers, and likes. It has turned into a massive problem, and a massive spike in psychogenic disorders and a plummet in per capita productivity have been observed since the birth of social media.

Now, artificial intelligence, or AI, is the new trend. People are using AI programs like Google Bard and ChatGPT for "donkey work,” which is a very good way of using AI. Several intellectuals have been stating that AI will increase the creative aptitude of people as they will no longer have to slog to do desk labour. But very few realize that this increase in creative aptitude will only be possible if people use their time productively to develop skills and make art, rather than scrolling on social media and giving away to depression and other mental disorders.

So Who Is To Blame For This Global Crisis?

Social media platforms are businesses trying to sell off their products through their algorithms and maximize the profits that they get from advertisements, user data, and premium memberships that they offer. They achieve this by using algorithms that are meant to be addictive for the users, so they keep scrolling on their screens, and the companies keep making profits. As much as these companies are to blame for the upcoming crisis, way more than that, the people using social media sites are to blame. This is because they voluntarily choose to keep scrolling and waste their useful time on these platforms, which gives them nothing to consume the content.

The world has now been divided into two categories of people: people who consume the data, or consumers, and those who create it, or content creators. It is in the hands of individuals to use the double-edged sword of social media as a tool to achieve something greater or to make it their doom.

How Does One Break Free From Their Social Media Addiction?

Social media addiction can be overcome like any other addiction, and one can look forward to maximizing their productivity and becoming a better version of themselves.

I am not going to sugarcoat any of the facts and tell you the harsh truth that, like any other addiction, breaking free from social media addiction is also challenging, but once the suffering is done, one can lead a healthier life with a healthier mind.

One can get rid of their addictions by using efficient methods and techniques, some of which are listed in this article:

1. Self-awareness: Acknowledging that one has a social media addiction is the path to self-awareness. Recognizing the problem is the first step towards addressing it.
2. Set clear goals. Defining what one wants to achieve. Whether it’s reducing one’s daily screen time, quitting specific platforms, or using social media for specific purposes (like networking or staying informed), having clear goals will help one stay focused.
3. Track your usage. Using apps or built-in phone features to monitor an individual’s screen time and track which apps one is spending the most time on. This will give one a clear picture of their social media habits.
4. Establish boundaries: Setting strict limits on when and how one uses social media. For example, one might decide to only check social media during specific hours of the day or allocate a certain amount of time each day for social networking.
5. Remove temptation: Deleting social media apps from one’s phone or logging out of their accounts to create barriers between themselves and easy access to social media.
6. Turn off notifications: Disabling push notifications for social media apps decreases temptation. This way, one won’t be constantly tempted to check their notifications.
7. Replace with healthier habits: Finding alternative activities to replace the time one used to spend on social media. Engaging in one’s hobbies, exercising, reading, or spending more time with friends and family.
8. Join support groups: There are online and in-person support groups for people dealing with social media addiction. Sharing one’s struggles and successes with others can be very helpful.
9. Educate yourself: Understanding the psychology behind social media addiction. Learning about how social media platforms are designed to keep one hooked can make it easier to resist their allure.
10. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation techniques can help an individual become more aware of their impulses and better control them. It can also reduce the anxiety and FOMO (fear of missing out) that often drive excessive social media use.
11. Accountability: Sharing one’s goals with a friend or family member who can help keep them accountable is a great way to keep a check on themselves. They can remind one of their objectives and provide support.
12. Seek professional help: If an individual finds it extremely difficult to break their addiction on their own, they should consider consulting a therapist or counsellor who specializes in addiction or behavioural issues.
13. Use productivity apps: There are apps designed to help an individual stay focused and limit their access to distracting websites, including social media.
14. Gradual reduction: If quitting social media cold turkey is too challenging, one should consider a gradual reduction approach. Start by reducing one’s usage slowly over time until they reach their desired level.
15. Celebrate small wins. Rewarding oneself when one achieves their goals or milestones is a great way to create happiness. Positive reinforcement can help reinforce an individual's new, healthier habits.

Remember that breaking a social media addiction takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged if you slip up occasionally. It’s a journey toward a healthier relationship with technology and social media.