Notifications are designed to get us to check apps, which increases the likelihood that we start scrolling. Turning them off can help you stay off apps. Ways To Make Sure Your Phone Doesn't Take Over Use an app tracker Delete social media apps Create “No Phone Zones” Turn off push notifications Illustrations from Flavicon The Jed Foundation track the amount of time you’re spending on social media apps. Some apps have built-in timers that can help you track your time and set reminders to exit the app. make it harder for you to access them at all times. If you don’t want to delete apps entirely, moving them into a folder or away from your main home screen can help decrease your time on them. Make rules based on the use you’re trying to cut down. For example, no checking your phone in bed at night or first thing in the morning, or no phones at the dinner table. span 1 5 T hough some people constantly harp on the evils of social media, the idea itself is rooted in community and relationships. According to Holly Ferguson, and a student at Anderson University in South Carolina, “Social media was made for keeping up with people, but when you let it become a tool for comparison, it loses its value.” We can choose to use social media as a mechanism to stay in touch with more people from our past than ever and develop a broad network of friends and acquaintances through the responsible use of these platforms. Ferguson, the an Art major, also states that “social media such as Pinterest and Instagram can be great platforms to find and share inspiration.” When a social media is used for and maintaining relationships is goin and viewing a things you’re passionate about, it’s a force for good; however, it a can easily turn into something with dangerous effects. With no sign of social media leaving our society anytime soon, it’s crucial to find ways to capture the good out of social media without being overtaken by the negative. Here are some techniques for creating your own balancing act between social media and the real world. Multiple studies have shown that excessive screen time, particularly when related to social media, can be detrimental to of mental health. A recent study from San Diego State of University found that screen time amounts greater than one hour per day can lead to adverse effects on children and teens. The good news is that screen time can be easily monitored on your iPhone through the Settings app. It’s eye-opening to see where your time is going while on your phone, and you can set limits for yourself in order to achieve a healthier amount of screen time if yours is higher than you’d prefer. In some cases, taking a break from social media can be the best option. Whether it’s a modified break—such as not spending time on certain social media apps—or a full social media detox, changing your social media routine serves to emphasize just how much it means to us. Cassidy Barker, a freshman at Anderson University, has decided to take a complete break from social media as she adjusts to college life. Not only does she believe that it can take away from priorities such as schoolwork, self-care, and faith, but social media can also make the transition to college more difficult. Overall, social media can be a useful tool as we network with others, find inspiration, and stay up-to-date on important events. However, social media can also be a dangerous time waster and meaningless source of impossible comparison. With increased monitoring of the time you spend on social media, knowledge about the issues that come with it, and perhaps a complete break from social media itself, you can bring increased balance to your life regarding social media.