Can you try a new restaurant without snapping a pic before digging in? Can you meet up with some friends without a group selfie? Ask yourself “Would I still be enjoying this experience even if people didn’t know I was?” If you can’t enjoy anything without posting about it.If the content you’re consuming is leaving you feeling worse than before you started, you may be “doomscrolling.”.If you find yourself clicking on the app instinctually instead of intentionally, you may be getting too engrossed. Social media apps are designed to do one thing – keep you on the platform. If you end up on social media without even realizing you’re on it, that is a good indication.If you find yourself comparing yourself to everyone you’re seeing and feeling bad about it, it may be time to consider taking a social media break.Whether it’s the new promotion of a friend from high school that you don’t even talk to anymore, or an influencer bragging about dropping three pants sizes thanks to a trend or “miracle product,” it’s human nature to compare yourself to those around you – even if you’re only watching their highlight reel. It’s impossible to not compare yourself to people you see on social media. Signs you may need a break from social media But if you’re not enjoying the experience of using social media, a short break can have some mental health benefits.

There are conflicting studies on how social media, in general, affects mental health. While it’s nice to see what friends and family are up to in your feed, consuming that much content to the point where you’re not even really paying attention anymore can feel overwhelming. A lot people – some with substantial followings – are opting to take a social media break for a short period of time. If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through social media and completely losing any sense of time and being left wondering “where did the last hour of my life go?” you’re not alone.

Take a break from social media