How To Opt for a Social Media Detox Correctly

The EstablishedPublished on Mar 20, 2025

Can a social media detox cure or is it just another trend?

Spontaneously deleting your social media apps may seem tempting, but to do a social media detox that you will follow through on, keep these tips in mind.

As our attention spans shorten further and stress levels are at an all-time high, can distancing from social media really do us good?

Feeling trapped in the endless loop of online notifications, updates, and highlight Reels? You’re not alone. Many of us often find ourselves glued to our screens, doom-scrolling into hours that leaves us overstimulated and anxious. The dark side of social media—shortened attention spans, amplified stress levels, and deteriorating mental health—has sparked a global wave of “social media detoxing.” But does unplugging genuinely help, or are we just trading one form of stress for another?

Why Social Media Detoxing Appeals to many

The allure of a social media detox is undeniable. It comes with the promise of freedom from ceaseless demands of connectivity, offering a chance to reclaim one’s time and truly focus.

For Korkor Kanor, a public relations executive, stepping away from social media platforms for nine months transformed her life. Better sleep, lower stress levels, and strong personal connections emerged as tangible benefits. Relationships felt more genuine without the screen in between, and her emotional well-being improved too.

For Korkor Kanor, a public relations executive, stepping away from social media platforms for nine months transformed her life. Image: Dupe

Start with limited breaks—maybe a weekend or reduced daily usage to make the transition manageable. Image: Unsplash

Yet the question persists: is this a fleeting trend born out of frustration, or a sustainable lifestyle change? For many, detoxing offers more than temporary relief—it provides a roadmap to a calmer, more intentional existence.

The Psychological Impact of staying connected

The influence of Instagram and other social platforms is far-reaching, often leading to mental burnout. The dark side of social media lies in its capacity to breed anxiety, from maintaining an idealised online persona to a relentless chase for likes. For teenagers on social media, the pressure is even more acute, with studies linking prolonged use of apps to low self-esteem and social comparison.

Take David Mohammadi, whose 65-week digital detox evolved from a two-week experiment into a liberating, life-altering experience. Free from constant notifications, Mohammadi deepened relationships, sharpened his focus and rediscovered authentic human interaction. His experience underscores the potential of a detox to break free from superficial connectivity.

How to detox the right way

For those considering stepping away from Instagram or social media entirely, an abrupt "cold turkey" approach may not suit everyone. Instead, gradual adjustments can help foster a healthier digital balance. Here’s how to avoid a social media overload.

Reducing distractions by silencing non-essential alerts can help curb the habit of constantly checking your phone. Image: Unsplash

It isn’t just about hitting pause; it’s about recalibrating our priorities and finding balance in a hyperconnected world. Image: Unsplash

To embark on your own detox, start with some simple, actionable tips:

Set Clear Intentions: Clarifying the purpose of the detox—whether to boost productivity, enhance mental health, or nurture more meaningful relationships—can make the process more purposeful.
Start Small: Start with limited breaks—maybe a weekend or reduced daily usage to make the transition manageable.
Turn off Notifications: Reducing distractions by silencing non-essential alerts can help curb the habit of constantly checking your phone.
Create time blocks: Allocating specific periods for engaging with social media platforms prevents excessive scrolling.
Replace screen time: Exploring offline activities—like reading, painting, or face-to-face interactions—can provide fulfilling alternatives.

Just another trend or truly transformative?

A social media detox might seem like a buzzword, but it highlights a critical shift in our relationship with technology. Users are waking up to the real impact of social media on mental health. This isn’t just about hitting pause; it’s about recalibrating our priorities and finding balance in a hyperconnected world.

For teens and adults alike, the shift is clear: the future of social media lies in authenticity and accountability. Platforms are evolving to prioritise user well-being—such as Instagram’s ‘Take a Break’ reminders or Apple’s app usage limits—but the real change begins with us. By taking deliberate steps to unplug, we can ensure our digital lives serve us, not the other way around.

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