Social Media: Just Take a Break!
Today you can’t go anywhere without seeing at least one person with their eyes glued to a cell phone screen.
Though some of the people may be using their phone for work purposes, the majority of people are using them for some form of social media. According to a recent study, people in the United States check their Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and other social media accounts a shocking 17 times a day. That is at least once every hour that we are awake. In all, it amounts to 3.2 hours of social media checking daily per person.
America’s number is alarming, but in some other countries such as Mexico, Argentina, and Thailand, people check their social media profiles over 40 times a day. And before you older folks begin grumbling and muttering, “Ah, kids these days,” know that the majority of social media checkers are between the ages of 25 and 54. People age 15-24 are actually less likely to be glued to their phones.
These staggering statistics give light to the fact that the majority of Americans have an addiction to social media.
For some it is an addiction to having their picture seen, showing the world how great their lives and families are. For others it is an addiction to having their voice heard, commenting on everything from sports scores to political views. For many, it is just an addiction to gossip and seeing what everyone else is doing.
Regardless of your personal social media habits, I urge everyone to just put down their phones and shut themselves off completely. The world will keep spinning if you don’t read ESPN’s latest tweet, or view your friend’s latest snap about what color she painted her nails. And just imagine what we could get done with those three extra hours each day!
