Social Media Sabbatical

Earlier this month, my church started its annual 21-day fast. In the past, I have given up different foods like soda and candy. This month, I decided to go without something that I use every day: social media. 

I turn to social media to serve as a break in a busy schedule, but contrary to what we covered in class, I am not using Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat. I am still using YouTube and LinkedIn. I chose not to give up YouTube because I watch educational videos for studying and as I get ready in the morning. I check LinkedIn regularly to build my professional network. 

My goals for this fast are to become more intentional with how I spend my time and to center my focus on Christ. When I wake up, I want to turn first to my Bible before reaching for my phone (aside from turning off my alarm). To hold me accountable, I have set screen time limits of zero minutes on all my social media apps, told some of the people closest to me and moved my social media folder on my phone to a different page so it appears hidden.

my home screen

It has been almost a week since starting this social media fast, and I do not miss it. The people I would regularly Snapchat have my number, and we communicate that way. I do not know if I would ever delete all social media because I see the benefits of staying in touch with people. I hope that after this month, my screen time habits will change drastically. 

studying over scrolling

Overlapping with the first week of my fast is a lingering cold that has me feeling wiped out. When I am not feeling well, there is nothing I want to do more than curl up in bed and mindlessly scroll. Not having social media this past week has allowed me to do other things. This fast has given me more flexibility to read ahead in my textbooks and build my playlist, which I listen to every day. I have been able to be more present without having notifications distracting me. 

Five days down, 16 to go!