It’s time to delete that app. Yes, that one. The one that pulls your attention away for hours when you have objectively more important things to do. The one that distracts you from your partner or best friend who’s trying to talk about their difficult day.
The only question is, why is this app so powerful and why do we need to delete it?
The Worldwide Web
It’s no secret that this generation has become the most comfortable with technological advancements and its perks. One of them being social media. At this point, there are not many people left with no social media platform; even schools have begun to rely heavily on the internet.
Since the beginning of its creation, the internet and social media have changed in more ways than one. It has opened up our way of learning and exploration. It has given us online shopping, future vacation spots and new ways to express ourselves.
Brain Rot
Although you might be familiar with the term “brain rot” in a comedic context, unfortunately, social media has begun to actually destroy our brains.
Applications like Instagram and TikTok allow us to access a worldwide of standards to live up to: how we should look, how many likes or comments is acceptable on a post, what clothes to wear, etc. According to a 2018 British study, social media usage correlated to significant signs of depression like loss of sleep, poor academic performance and memory loss.
Additionally, social media gives us a platform to speak every single thing on our minds (which, isn’t all that great). Although it has helped many find solidarity in issues regarding discrimination and other social issues, it has furthered struggles in body dysmorphia, eating disorders and negative perceptions of oneself.
And given how TikTok-obsessed many have become, we’re having our attention spans decrease immensely. Scrolling through ten-second videos has forced us to gravitate towards instant gratification in content, which results in slower absorption of information and diminishes long-term memory.
Just Delete The Damn App
It might seem like cutting off your right arm at first, but VALLEY assures you that deleting at least one of these toxic apps from your phone will benefit you tremendously.
Especially for teenagers and young adults, it has been proven that reducing social media usage can improve self-perceptions of one’s overall appearance. Even going for a week or two can help readjust your mental health. Having the ability to turn your phone off and realign yourself with reality can enhance your environment and well-being. It just takes a bit of a push.
It’s time to refocus on you, not a tiny screen. Why focus on the fake and digital when you can embrace your real self? It’s time to delete the app. For a year or for a day, it’s time.
Have you ever needed to detox from social media? Tweet us at @VALLEYmag about your experience!
