Changing My Use of Social Media

Lately, I've been trying to change the ways I use social media and I've been trying not to rely on it so much. When I'm out on a walk, I try to look around and appreciate my surroundings instead of being glued to a screen. When I'm spending time with family or friends I try to engage in conversations and make eye contact instead of letting my eyes flicker down to the welcoming glow from my phone. I've been working towards letting go of electronics and social media and entertaining myself with healthier things like reading or living in the moment with my family. Another way I've tried to disconnect more is leaving my phone at home when I'm spending time with people, not bringing it in my pocket to the dinner table, and not carrying it around the house constantly. I am taking small steps to let go and hopefully I can reach the point where I don't resort to going on my phone whenever I'm around people or out in public. From what I've learned in my studies of media, I see how common it is for people to compare themselves to others that they see on social media. For example, on instagram your feed can be filled with supermodels and actors and athletes and their images create high expectations for yourself. Along with this comes comparisons between your body image, your privileges and what you do in life. This is an unhealthy way to live because it puts you down and can cause depression when you can't make your life like the one's you see online. Now that I know this, I try not to let myself scroll through pictures of famous people because I end up making comparisons and feeling bad about my life. Instead, I've learned to view it differently and to take these images and use them as inspiration to work harder and to acknowledge how had these people must've worked to look that certain way or to have that type of lifestyle. My studies of media have also taught me how brands are trying so hard to draw people in and make them attached. With this knowledge I've become more aware of the strategies of advertising and I don't let myself fall into traps and the false expectations created when brands say they're "newer, better, and worth every penny". On the internet, driving around town, and watching TV, I open myself up to be influenced by these advertisements because they're found all over the place. With my new awareness I am becoming stronger and better at resisting brands that are trying to pull me in and give me that sense of belonging. As a result of studying media, I gained awareness that helps me stay confident in myself and not feel like I need a brand to complete me or make me part of a community.