A very interesting study by Social Times on social media explained how using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, you name it, can drain you out. Surprised? I must confess I was. Especially when I came to learn some of the statistics the study revealed. Other than the strain on the network that airtime usage implies, or how high broadband costs are, are you aware of the emotional stress that these sites may inflict upon you? Here go some hard facts:

  • Tweeting or texting while driving slows your reaction time by 38%, which is more than drinking or smoking pot.
  • 45% of people feel worried or uncomfortable when not able to access their social networks.
  • 66% of people have difficulty sleeping after using social media.
  • 64% have accepted a friend request from a stranger.
  • 46% women are “highly concerned about letting a stalker know where they are.
  • 41% are “aware or extremely concerned” about letting potential burglars know when they are not at home.
  • Turning off mobile phones and avoiding the internet can leave people suffering from symptoms similar to those seen in drug addicts trying to go “cold turkey”.

Alarmed? Personally, and I use Twitter and Facebook on a daily basis, I can proudly say that I have never had trouble sleeping after using a social network, I have never, ever, driven and tweeting/texting at the same time, basically, because 1.How stupidly dangerous is that! 2. I hate fines.social media

I have never accepted a friend request from a stranger – but hey! sometimes I don’t even accept requests from “acquaintances”. Last but not least, I have certainly never experienced withdrawal symptoms. Quite the opposite! How nice is it to disconnect for one full day and not know anything from anyone every once in a while?

 

But, I could well be the exception to the rule, so how to stop the drain? Take a look at these tips:

  • Set a time to be social and help eliminate stress from constant interruption.
  • Disable automatic app updates.
  • Delete some Facebook friends. Supposedly, the mind can only handle 150 relationships at a time, although I think my mind can only handle 20 max!
  • Check your privacy settings.
  • Measure is the key. Learn to enjoy social networks but don’t let them take over your life.

Addiction to social networks can be avoided, as we explained in the post Hooked to the Internet (Part I) and Hooked to the Internet (Part II). Don’t let your social media services become addictive, it is up to you to control it. Or are you a FOMO sufferer? If you know what this acronym stands for, please send your comments and enlighten our readers!