Social (media) distancing: A forgotten necessity

Image: Shutterstock

In February 2020, following the COVID-19 outbreak in different parts of the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned nations of another global threat: a COVID-19 Infodemic. Infodemic is defined as “an over-abundance of information – some accurate and some not – that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it”. This particular infodemic came out of people’s heightened needs for timely and trustworthy information about COVID-19.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has become even more of a double edged sword. On one hand, there is no timelier, more curated and more convenient source of information than social media. We are presented with constant updates of what is going on in the world in a way that traditional media such as printed media and television cannot.

Unfortunately, that convenience comes with its own set of problems: hoaxes, misleading information and social media fatigue among other things. These problems are more prevalent than ever, because people are using more social media at this time.

A research with a sample size of 25,000 consumers across 30 markets indicated that social media engagement has increased by 61% during the pandemic. Messaging across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp has increased by 50% in countries hardest hit by the virus, especially among the 18-34 age group. Twitter, too, is seeing 23% more daily users than that in the previous year.

However, it is important to highlight that social media platforms are regarded by only 11% of respondents as a source of trustworthy information in comparison to traditional news channels (52%).

So what does that mean for our well-being? Even before the infodemic, uncontrolled use of social media has been proven to negatively affect happiness. A 2015 research discovered that higher amounts of personal social media usage leads to higher levels of technostress – stress caused by extended use of technology – and lower happiness.

In the age where social media use is heightened, and the world is constantly seeking new information, the effects of social media are unquestionably amplified.

Most of us are already social distancing, but this begs the question, do we need to start social media distancing as well?

Emerra, 31, started social media distancing when the COVID-19 outbreak began to massively affect Indonesia. Previously, she was an avid passive user who checked social media daily to see news and updates from friends, though she rarely posted. These days, she limits her social media consumption as much as possible, even refraining from seeing comments made by friends about the topic because they may cause anxiety.

She said that her objective is to “reduce stress caused by thinking about the pandemic and what the future is going to look like,” and reports that social media distancing has allowed her to reduce her tendency to overthink.

But what is social media distancing exactly? We define it as distancing ourselves from, and limiting our interactions with, unfiltered information brought about by social media. In social distancing, we use masks to filter out viruses and bacteria, disinfectant spray to remove viruses and bacteria and we keep our distance from others as a form of protection.

In the case of social media distancing, we filter out information instead of viruses, remove or unfollow stress-triggering accounts instead of bacterias and keep a time – not physical – distance from social media platforms. The fights against the pandemic and infodemic need to go hand in hand.

In fact, the idea of social media distancing may even be beneficial beyond the pandemic. Valesca, 29, has adopted social media distancing even before the pandemic. Once a very active user, she went on a social media sabbatical – a more extreme form of social media distancing, involving no social media at all for a period of time – roughly two years ago.

In addition to not logging into her accounts, she also decluttered her social media by unfollowing drama newsfeed, celebrity/entertainment accounts and acquaintances she was no longer in contact with. Currently, she checks her social media 2-3 times a week and notes that she still finds social media useful to look for inspiration or opportunities.

“What I try to avoid is using social media when I have nothing to do, because that is when I am not in any position to guard myself or filter the information I see,” she continued.

Valesca finds her social media detox to be very useful for her well-being; she becomes calmer and is now able to spend time for other productive activities. She recommends people to try it, “You can take a brief social media sabbatical, it does not have to be lengthy. Try to stay off social media for one week and you will start seeing the internet differently. Next, try doing that every few months.”

While most people do social media distancing to improve their overall well-being, some do it with more specific purposes. Thaza, 31, has gone on a social media sabbatical during the holy month of Ramadan over these past three years.

“I choose Ramadan as a month to disconnect is because I want to learn more about my religion, and Ramadan is the perfect time to get closer to my Creator,” she explains. She, too, recommends that people start doing social media distancing, “I’m not saying that people need to completely avoid social media, but please know that we are in control of what kind of content we want to consume. Be mindful.”

Researches have supported the positive effects of social media distancing as well. For instance, envy is promoted by social media use and can exacerbate depressive symptoms. As such, taking breaks from social media can eliminate a major source of envy.

For people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), eliminating social media – a major source of distraction – can bring direct benefits.

At the end of the day, social media are platforms that can either benefit or harm our lives, depending on how we utilise them. As much as we are able to, take the good things and filter out the bad, while portioning the resources we spend on them. And if the formula requires major adjustments during this unprecedented period? So be it, we shall grow with the changes.