Screen Time
When the new screen time feature of my Iphone became available, I spent several months not even looking at it. I knew deep down, that I wouldn’t like what I saw. Finally, after seeing a few weekly summary notifications pop up, I was too disgusted and curious not to take a look. Almost 5 hours per day of my life was spent on my phone. Mind you, some of that was music playing on my phone while I was busy washing the dishes or taking a shower. I also like to listen to podcasts and/or sermons while I run/walk on my treadmill a few times a week. But even 4 hours a day sounds disgusting to me.
Over half of the time was being spent on social media apps like Instagram and Facebook. I’m naturally interested in other people. Just ask my husband how much I like to people watch. In restaurants, stores, etc., he tells me to stop staring and stop grinning! “You’re so transparent”! So social media had me hooked like a bee to honey.
I started reading about the effects of social media and the dangers of this newly formed addiction. Anxiety, depression, loneliness, etc. No thanks. The experts out there tell people to have boundaries, set limits, take breaks, etc. I heard a few say it was “impossible” these days to not have social media. I took that as a direct challenge, disabled my Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram accounts a little over 2 weeks ago and noticed the immediate lighter feeling.
I considered that I might be out of the loop on a lot of things but decided to trust that the important info/news will find its way to me. If someone wants to get in touch with me, it might take a little more effort, but I’m sure they can do it if its important. Before I ever had a social media account, my life seemed better. I was more confident in who I was and the values that I stood for. I want more of that in my life again.
I heard someone say a while back that their pastor said to get off of Facebook and get their face in The Book. I think we have a natural tendency to compare ourselves to others. Social Media is a terrible place to do this since we are mostly seeing the good times that others are sharing. If we stop using our friends as mirrors to measure our lives and start using the Bible we find out we’ve got a long way to go. It’s uncomfortable, but that’s where the growing happens! We have to do whatever it takes to please God.
I guess this is just another step in my journey to a simpler, more intentional, way of life. Another step in the decluttering process, taking out the trivial and getting crystal clear on the priorities and values that bring me closer to the plans and purpose God has for me.
Have you checked out the screen time feature on your phone? What was your reaction to the stats? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject!