Putting Social Media in its Place

We've all been there: Sitting at our desks, intent on getting a project done... but an hour later, we wonder where the time went, because we got stuck in the Social Scroll. 😯

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, with millions of people around the world using platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to connect with others, share information, and stay up-to-date on current events. For many of us who are Business Owners, we generate leads and do a lot of networking on social media. While it has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with one another, it has also brought with it a host of negative effects that can impact our mental health, productivity, and overall well-being.

One of the most significant negative effects of social media is the amount of time it can waste. According to a survey conducted by Digital Information World, the average person spends approximately 2 hours and 22 minutes per day on social media. That's over 16 hours per week and nearly 33 days per year!

In case you need more convincing, research has also shown that excessive social media use can have a detrimental impact on our mental health. A study conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health found that social media use was linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality. Additionally, the study found that social media platforms can contribute to negative body image, low self-esteem, and feelings of inadequacy. The International Society of Substance Abuse Professionals even acknowledged that social media has been described as more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol.

Okay, okay, enough of the doom & gloom.

I'm not suggesting we stop using social media - I LOVE connecting with other business owners on social! I've generated a lot of business this way, and I don't intend to stop.

But just like anything, social media is a tool, and we can choose how we use it. We can reduce the negative impact of social media by focusing on creating high-quality content that is informative, engaging, and valuable to our target audience. Rather than posting content just for the sake of having a presence on social media, we can aim to provide value to our followers and establish ourselves as experts in our respective fields.

Here are a few ways you can put Social Media in its place.

1. Set specific times each day to check and respond to social media messages, rather than constantly checking your feeds throughout the day.

2. Use a social media scheduling tool that allows you to schedule posts in advance, so you don't have to spend as much time on the platform.

3. Hire a social media manager to engage on your profile. Click here to request a social media manager from our team.

4. Download and use the News Feed Eradicator plugin, so you can stay focused on the engagement that matters most to you!

Check out the video below to see the News Feed Eradicator in action: