This Is My Simple Social Media Reset Guide
👩💻 Realistic strategies for a more balanced life online
I have a confession to make.
And I’m really embarrassed by it.
I used to be obsessed with getting likes on Instagram. So obsessed that I once downloaded an app that helped you get more likes from strangers. Basically, in exchange for liking someone else’s photos, you’d receive coins in return. Then you could "cash out" said coins for likes on your own posts.
Ugh, it’s silly. And stupid, I know…
I’m not sure what made me go to such lengths, but getting likes made me feel good.
And recently, I found myself craving that validation again.
About a week ago, I posted a Note expressing my vulnerability about this very feeling:
I know there’s a lot going on in our brains about why we care about likes—it’s something many people experience.
To help myself (and hopefully you), I put together a simple list to reset my social media habits. These tips are meant to make social media a positive part of our lives, instead of letting it control us. I’ve seen and read so many tips online about this, but these strategies have worked best for me. I hope this guide helps you find a healthier way to enjoy your online experience.
🌟 My Simple Social Media Reset Guide 🌟
Content Curfew
Set a "digital sunset." This means you stop using social media at least one hour before you go to bed. Or a few hours. Up to you. You could even attempt to do no social media after 6 PM. Also, if you usually check social media first thing in the morning, try waiting until later. Maybe start at 10 AM (or whatever time works best for you). Figure out your time limits and stick to them.
Digital Detox Days
Take a break from social media. Start with 24 hours, then bump it up to a whole week or even a month if you can. You can try a “Social Media Free Sunday” to start your week fresh. Or do Offline Days—where you pick the same day every week to stay completely offline on all social media. After being on the internet since I was 11 (yes, really), taking a break sounded intimating to me. But after some time, I got used to it and things really do get better.
Scroll Patrol
(Not to be confused with Paw Patrol 🤣) Do a social media audit. Look at the accounts you follow and ask yourself if they make you happy or add value to your life. Unfollow the ones that don’t. Then curate your feed with stuff that you genuinely enjoy.
Weekend Weaning
Here’s an easier sustainable alternative to digital detox days: limit social media use to just the weekends. During the week, stay off of it and enjoy life offline. This actually worked really well for me, but I fell back into old habits. I’m hoping to get back on track. Give it a try and see if it helps you too!
Dump and Go
This is my favorite way to remind myself to just post the pictures or updates and move on. Don’t overthink it—share what you want and get back to enjoying your day.
Social media can be tricky, but setting healthy boundaries helps a ton. Instead of quitting altogether, this is the balance that works well for me right now (but it’s definitely a work in progress!). When I start overthinking about likes, views, and other small things, these tips help me enjoy my time online.
If you find yourself in the same situation or want to create boundaries, these tips might be just what you need. Thanks for letting me open up a bit. Happy scrolling!
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You know what else is a good strategy for having healthy social media habits? Subscribing to newsletters. Specifically this one. 😉
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What are your favorite ways to manage social media? Share your tips and tricks with me in the comments or just reply back. I’ll be waiting here, just like them👇🏼
This is SO needed 💖
This post is very insightful, I am currently on week two of my social media detox/vacation. I think when I inevitably go back to it, I will most definitely be implementing your recommendations. Thank you!