Do not Delete your Facebook or Twitter Account – Just take a deep breath!

If you are one of those addicts who says “I think I have been wasting too much time tweeting or facebooking, really want to reduce the usage, but it’s seems impossible – Shall I delete my social media accounts?”

There are two arguments that I would like to present here:

1. Those who spend time on social media, generally do not have anything else to do and this activity takes priority in their routine, they actually find time to be on twitter and facebook.
2. Is it right to call it social media addiction or being on social media for extended periods is a result of some obsession?

We are over occupied in social media activities. iPhones, iPads, tablets and other such devices keep us connected. But at the same time, we have lost track of time. Most social media users complain about not finding enough time to do productive work and severe addictiveness to remain busy either updating their status, reading comments or making comments.

Interestingly, Dr Larry Rosen, Professor in Psychology at the California State University says “It is not an addition, its obsession because an addiction is when you do something to gain pleasure. We are not doing this to get pleasure; we’re doing it to reduce our anxiety. If something good is there, then there’s a rush of pleasure.”

There is growing number of social media channels, and a very fast growing number of social media users. Interestingly, there is hardly anyone who uses single social media platform. Most people use multiple platforms and most users now have more than two profiles too!

Let’s dive a bit deeper on why do people spent so much time on social media?

Twitter keeps us busy in debates that are current and at times we get sucked into this just because there was something trending. The fact is that most of the stuff that is trending is not relevant to our interest, but still find time to follow the trend and tweet. Why we do it, because our mind dictates us to be part of “trend”, its psychological traction nothing more!

Facebook however is different. Sharing pictures and status that attracts comments is generally the prime objective on Facebook. People comment on things that are controversial, funny or emotional. Engagement on Facebook is generally within the friend’s community. Brands and non-profits are also active in building and engaging on Facebook. Polls, quiz, videos and news are the most affective engagement tools that keep us hooked on Facebook.

If you were wanted to delete your accounts, stop – There is no need to delete, if you are a social media addict, do not get emotional, and just be a little extra careful in your engagement. Seth Godin suggests “a social media diet” – this is simple, schedule logging into your social media just for 10 minutes ever three hours and that is in 12 hours not in 24 hours. Stick to this, check what is happening, ignore what is not relevant to you and respond to things that are interesting.

Simple and effective diet for four weeks will reduce your time spent on Social Media. Once you are used to with this schedule, you are good to spend time available on more productive work!