I’m leaving Lemon8
Well it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later…
I promise I’m not one of those people who hate the app and am leaving. I love it here….a little too much.
I love seeing all of y’all’s posts and the engaging community.
And although I feel this is a better app (support wise) than others, it’s still a time suck that leads to not only less productivity but also less satisfaction and can affect our entire lives.
I once read about a physician who started on tiktok during the pandemic to pass time. He quickly gained over a million followers.
Well long story short, his addiction to the outside (and instant) validation caused him to miss out on sooo much. It was literally ruining his family. He would be in his phone during family dinners, responding to comments while his wife and kids were trying to ENGAGE with him in real life…it was truly addiction behavior because of the dopamine hit.
So what’s that got to do with me?
The same thing it has to do with ALL of us.
I’m a millenial and have literally been on social media since the beginning of social media. I remember AOL chats (I was seriously too young to be on there), MySpace, blackplanet, crushsport, Tumblr, Facebook when it was just for college kids…I been here a long time. When it was just on a computer that was one thing but the ability to have IT in the palm of our hands was a game changer.
The IT I’m speaking of is the dopamine hit that we get.
The easy accessibility would seem like a good thing…but it’s not.
The chronic exposure to the hyperpleasurable stimuli (social media) causes our brains to adapt. Dopamine receptors then downregulate and shrink, causing our baseline happiness to drop and require more stimuli to feel good again.
In order to reset this, we basically have to do a “detox” or a fast from what caused it to begin with.
With Lent coming up, I figured this would be a perfect time for ME to give up social media and tv 😱. If I’m feeling heavily inspired, I MAY post and ghost on Sundays…maybe. But I’m looking forward to not only resetting my dopamine receptors but also being much more productive.
Have you ever thought about taking a social media break? Do you participate in Lent?
In today's fast-paced digital environment, it's important to recognize the effects of constant social media engagement on our mental health. Researchers have noted that excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and decreased satisfaction in life. With platforms designed to keep us hooked, taking a step back can provide much-needed clarity and rejuvenation. A detox isn't just beneficial for the mind; it can enhance productivity significantly. Many users find that when they limit their social media time, they can focus better on their work, hobbies, and relationships, ultimately rediscovering joy and fulfillment in offline activities. This reset can also improve our ability to engage meaningfully with our loved ones as we become more present and aware of our surroundings. Participating in events like Lent, or simply setting personal challenges, can be great motivators for a digital detox. By embracing a more mindful approach to technology, we can shift our focus back on what truly matters, fostering deeper connections with both ourselves and those around us.
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