Tuesday: Day 3

    It was not too hard to stay off social media over the course of the week. I unintentionally gave in around Saturday when my boyfriend sent me a link that ended up pulling up Tik Tok (he probably plotted against me since he knew I was refraining for this project). I specifically noticed that to avoid habitually opening the apps when I check my phone I had to physically move the apps into a separate folder and a separate window. Going about my day, I did reach for my phone without thinking during times that I typically divert my attention to social media to pass time or as a distraction; however, because the apps were not in the usual place they were, I was instantly reminded that I could not use them. In those situations, I noticed I felt really awkward and almost too aware of my surroundings. On Friday, as I was standing in line to check-out my groceries, I felt really awkward as I waited my turn since I usually go on my phone during that time. I definitely missed being up to date with memes and trending jokes that I could share with my friends but besides that I realized that I didn’t really worry about what other people were doing in their lives and posting. Additionally, as previously mentioned, I did not feel as negative since I did not unintentionally have this feeling of want and desire for things and moments that others posted since I was focusing more on myself.

    I felt like I was still equally as productive as I usually am. Funny enough, when I get distracted or not want to do my homework, I end up cleaning around the house and organizing for no reason. I definitely see myself continuing this new habit by putting my phone on Do Not Disturb when I am studying or turning it off altogether; however, I think unless I can solidify this habit I will realistically fall back into checking my social media in between tasks nonchalantly.

    Overall, I think that this blog made me very aware of how much time and dependence I have on social media although, I am glad to say that I was not as addicted as I thought I was initially was. I think I use it more as a way to pass time during awkward moments or to share content like memes to my friends and family. Besides this, I am very proud to say that I can still hold normal conversations with others without the need to always be on my phone and that I felt more positive throughout the course of this week.