Social media detoxification

Social media detoxification or Social media detox is a kind of mental detoxification under the umbrella of Digital detox, specifically referring to a period of time when individuals stay away from social media platforms.^[1] Detoxification or detox formally refers to the physiological or medical removal of toxic substances from a living organism. Thus this term "social media detox" carries this connotation that social media is negative to the individual and thus he/she needs to stay away from it for a period of time to recover.

Overview

Social media detoxification, or more commonly referred to as "non-use of social media" in academic research, is the period of time during which individuals voluntarily stay away from social media.^[2] It falls under the umbrella of Digital detox, with a focus specifically on unplugging from social media. In recent times, it has become an increasingly relevant phenomenon with people from celebrities such as Kanye West and Ed Sheeran ^[3] to regular social media users going on this detox. For example, a study conducted in 2013 found that more than half of Facebooks American population were non-users.^[4] It is a conscious effort made by users to fight against social media addiction. ^[5]

This phenomenon is focused on a type of non-users known as social media rejectors^[6] who were once used of social media but have now voluntarily given it up for various reasons. By unplugging from social media, these rejectors hope to re-embrace the tangible and make more meaningful connections. ^[7]

Discussion

There has been a wide array of viewpoints with regards to the pros and cons of a social media detox. Research in social media use and non-use has also provided academic backing to the reasons that are often cited by individuals as reasons for going on a social media detox. Some of these include concerns over privacy and data misuse, productivity, addiction and social, professional or institutional pressures.^[8][9]

Non-use is not a clear-cut binary distinction in opposition to using, but these rejectors do demonstrate a desire for selective and reversible disconnection.^[10] Social media has become so interwoven into daily life that going off social media is the conscious lifestyle choice.^[11]

In this digital age, social media plays a vital role in building social capital, maintaining connections^[12] and impression management ^[13] Some scholars even argue that it is important for individuals to have certain levels of distraction for life balance and to achieve a common state of body and mind.^[14] As such, social media is a basic need and one cannot cut away from it cold turkey, arguing that moderation is key.^[15]

See also

• Social media
• Digital detox
• Internet Addiction Disorder
• Digital addict
• Mobile phone overuse

References

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