Could you benefit from a social media detox? – Florida Today

A step-by-step guide on how to take a break from social media without relapsing.
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Garrett Lisi scrolls through Facebook posts. (Photo: Jessica Saggio, FLORIDA TODAY)

Giving up social media isn’t easy, said Kennedy, and those who try may go through withdrawal. The trick is to treat it like you’d treat any other addiction  –  one day at a time.

Set an attainable goal, maybe a day or week, and take it slow. Wean yourself off.

Lisi said he deleted the Facebook app off his phone so it’s not as accessible. He’s back on Facebook now, but he still doesn’t have the app. Using a web browser makes trips to Facebook intentional and less frequent.

Paula Maquieira of Mims, 39, said she cuts social media off for about a month at a time, one outlet at a time. She’s on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. This month she is giving up Twitter. She said she completely shuts down her accounts and picks them back up when she’s ready.

Williams-Carbone said she uses the art of distraction when she gives up social media. Do something else whenever you want to surf your social networks.

Changing your passwords to something that reminds you of what you’ve given up may help, too, added Jill Goessel. She gave up social media for Lent several years ago and changed her password to “yougavethisupforlent.”

“I wouldn’t be able to log in with a clear conscience,” she said.

It’s OK to go back

While social media is often a distraction, it still offers plenty of redeeming qualities. It’s OK if a social media detox is temporary.

Kennedy said social media helps connect people. Sometimes people who aren’t as apt to have a face-to-face conversation will engage online. Lisi said although he tries to break away from social media to stay focused, he still values it and returns frequently. As a former airman it’s how he stays in touch with friends he met during his military service. It was also a means to stay in touch with family when he was away.

Maquieira agreed. She moved to the United States from Argentina. Social media is an easy way for her to keep in touch with friends and family afar.

Still, it’s a powerful tool, she said, and her hope is that people use this easy means of communication wisely.

Contact Saggio at 321-242-3664, JSaggio@FloridaToday.com or follow @JessicaJSaggio on Twitter. Instagram: JessicaJSaggio Snapchat: JuhJuhJuh 

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