Here's Why We All Need A Digital Detox | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Here's Why We All Need A Digital Detox

It's time we all take a little break from the virtual world. I promise, it's not as bad as it sounds.

24
Here's Why We All Need A Digital Detox
Pexels

Click. Like. Scroll. These three words consume our lives. When I found out the average 20-year-old spends about eight hours a day on electronic devices such as laptops and cellphones, I thought it was well - crazy. That’s how much I sleep. Can you believe it?

A few months ago I found myself getting too caught up in all of this madness. Let me ask you, does this sound familiar: spending hours a day endlessly scrolling between Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and repeat. When this cycle began to impact my life negatively, I knew I couldn’t keep up with it.

Whether it was the models on Instagram, or the pictures posted by friends on Facebook, I began comparing myself to them. This was bad - really bad. I couldn’t live in a world where I’m always comparing myself to others. All it did was fill my head with negative thoughts. I decided, it was time to unplug.

Let the social-less weekend begin, or so I thought.

Being the shy person I am, I didn’t have the comfort of checking up on the virtual world while I sat in class Friday morning waiting for lecture to start. But you know what the funny thing is? People engage in real conversation when they’re not digital zombies. Sure, it was hard at first. I had to resist the urge to click on the colorful icons that stared me in the face every time I checked my phone, but this was one of the best things I’ve done — I swear I’m not lying.

To tell you the truth, I really didn’t miss social media at all; it was quite refreshing. I discovered it is possible to be productive in a world where Netflix exists. I was able to do my homework in a reasonable time, meet friends on time and actually pay attention to movies and TV shows all because I gave up one of the most meaningless aspects of my life.

It’s amazing how much I learned in a short three days. I need these digital detoxes more often. The most important lesson I learned: Social media distorts our body image like crazy. I discovered my friends don’t care about my body image, so why should I make such a big deal out of it? I’m bringing out the cheese, but it doesn’t matter if I’m thick or thin; my true friends are going to support me no matter what. After the detox, I unfollowed those "negative" accounts. You know the kind, like that "Friends" account, which always posted ads of stick-thin models and never actually "Friends" memes.

I challenge you, take a break. Have your own digital detox for a weekend. It might sound terrible at first, but trust me, you won’t regret it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Does anybody know how to study
Gurl.com

It’s here; that time of year when college students turn into preschoolers again. We cry for our mothers, eat everything in sight, and whine when we don’t get our way. It’s finals, the dreaded time of the semester when we all realize we should have been paying attention in class instead of literally doing anything else but that. Everyone has to take them, and yes, unfortunately, they are inevitable. But just because they are here and inevitable does not mean they’re peaches and cream and full of rainbows. Surviving them is a must, and the following five phases are a reality for all majors from business to art, nursing to history.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

2269
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl roommates
StableDiffusion

Where do we begin when we start talking about our roommates? You practically spend every moment with them, they become your second family and they deal with you at your best and at your absolute worst. They are there to make you laugh just a little harder, cry a little less and make each day a little better. We often forget to thank them for the little things that they do to make college even a tiny bit easier and more fun. This list of 26 things are what you should thank your roommates for right this minute and every day that you live with them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

20 Thoughts While Studying For Finals

I may or may not be stressing right now.

2589
Thoughts While Studying For Finals
StableDiffusion


That time of the semester has arrived once again, finals. The worst week ever. Who thought it was a good idea for all your classes to have exams all in the same week? Definitely not me. Here's 20 thoughts you may have studying for finals.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

7324
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments