How to reduce addiction to social media like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok – expert tips on cutting down, and the benefits for you
- Many of us spend a significant amount of time on social media, but too much screen time is unhealthy and can lead to poor sleep, depression and ‘text neck’
- An expert gives tips on reducing social media use to improve well-being, from finding alternatives like books, to putting your phone in an out-of-reach place
Two-and-a-half hours – that’s the average amount of time people spend on social media each day.
It may not sound like a lot, but that time can really add up – and at what cost? Social media has proven negative effects on mental health (especially for teens), self-image and, for some, is a huge time-waster.
Sure, finding local events, selling stuff on Facebook Marketplace and keeping up with friends from high school are some of the best parts of these apps, but there are definitely ways you can engage with social media that are better for your health.
Anish Agarwal, an emergency doctor, researcher, and deputy director for the Centre for Digital Health at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, says it’s important to constantly re-evaluate the role social media plays in daily life.
