Billions of people spend time on social media at least an hour a day. After all, it's a massive source of information that you can access with just a few taps. But, have you ever reflected on what it would be like if you weren't on social media? Here a the pros and cons.
Pros
You'll Be Getting More Sleep
Social media platforms are rabbit holes that you fall into if you're not careful. There are tons of content that will make you go "5 more minutes" ten more times. You'll toggle to a different app and convince yourself to do the same thing.
According to SCL Health, 35% of Americans aren't getting enough sleep. One contributor is probably the light that devices emit and the constant arrival of notifications. A hiatus might be the best thing for your sleeping schedule.
Your Self-Esteem Won't Take a Hit
Sites like Instagram and Facebook among others are filled with photos and news of the best moments in a person's life. That can sometimes make you think that their life is better than yours, and it's like to affect your self-esteem negatively.
Truth is, most of those are fabricated and staged. Of course, people will want to look and be their best when they show it to the public. Studies say that social media use can cause people to feel unattractive. So, take a break and try to notice your own triumphs.
You Won't Be Judged at Face Value
Some people tend to quickly surmise who you are just by scrolling through your profile. They can take one opinion and make it your whole personality. Social media sites can't document all there is to a person, but that's not something that's widely acknowledged.
No More Fear of Missing Out
Have you ever seen photos of people enjoying a night out and you suddenly feel jealous? Well, that's just you feeling like you're missing out on all the fun. A break from social media will allow you to allot time for leisure for yourself without pressure, not because everyone else is doing it.
Cons
You'll Be Out of Reach
One of the benefits of having social media is that it makes it easier to catch up with others. All you have to do is make a search and you can easily find someone you want to contact. Being absent online might isolate you from the people you know (although that can also be a good thing sometimes).
You Might Miss Important Announcements or News
Everything is online now, whether it's wedding announcements or breaking news. Some can be viewed on television while others only post them on online platforms. You might come back online one day and be surprised to find out that Elon Musk had also bought Meta and lives on Mars.
Barriers Will Go Back Up
It's true that the Internet is filled with hateful and condescending comments, but that doesn't mean that there are no good things left. Some platforms actually provide insightful advice or opinions if you know where to look.
For instance, Reddit can be a cheat sheet for just about any problem you can encounter. There are ideologies you won't be able to learn from since you're closing off a huge source of knowledge, regardless of how toxic some parts of it might be.
You'll Have to Write Things Down Now
Since you won't be on Facebook, there will be no reminders for birthdays that you can't seem to remember on your own. As mentioned on Brandignity, you're going to have to greet the important people in your life traditionally.
For those who are close to you, that would be easy. However, it could be a hassle if you want to greet someone who lives hours away. You're going to have to send a letter or a card through a postal service like it's the 60s.
