Social Media Fasts

Social media is a staple of modern life and something most of us engage with daily. There is a growing trend, though, that asks people to step away from their phones and constant updates on what is happening in the world so that they can reflect and decompress. Social media fasting (SMF) is a process in which one abstains from social media entirely or for specific durations, such as weekdays or school hours, to benefit their lives. This week, I interviewed several students on their opinions on SMF and whether they were for or against it.

“I think it’s really good and people should do it. Social media can wear people down. There is so much information and opinions on social media that it can be overwhelming, and it can be really good to get away from it all. Social media can be good, but I don’t think anyone should always be on it.”
Claudius Emilaire (junior, digital communication)

“I think the answer to this question depends more on the individual. Although we often hear about the benefits of social media fasting, and many people are clamoring that social media takes up too much of their time, it is undeniable that social media as a tool has greatly brought people closer to each other. This feeling of being so close to each other and the immediate feedback makes people want to stop and may be the fundamental reason why many people are addicted to it. So, the problem arises during the fast: in the case of a sudden stop, people may become restless because of the sudden discomfort, which means that relapse and overuse will likely become more serious, thereby losing the essential meaning of fasting. Of course, for light users and people with strong willpower, social media fasting can undoubtedly make a person more focused on the real world, allowing a person to have a better growth experience. For severe users, sudden fasting may be harmful, but gradually reducing the time of use may be a more effective method. Personally, I recommend starting fasting half an hour to an hour before going to bed as this can reduce anxiety and increase sleep quality.”
Robert Zhang (senior, psychology)

“I feel as though when I am on those apps, I can’t take a second to think about what is being presented before something else is already playing.”
Michael Emir (junior, religious studies)

“I am aware of the benefits technology can bring to people, with near-instant access to limitless information, but each of those benefits has a downside as well. Social media has its place in society, but if all you do is constantly scroll through your feed, absorbing all the nonsense out there, what have you gained? Whenever I get sucked into media, I often lose track of time and can be on it for hours, often not remembering much of what I saw.”
Clark West (graduate, seminary)

“I hardly have time for social media these days, and I wish more people would spend time off their devices. I’m a student teacher, and I see how technology impacts the generation of kids that will be my students. I’ve come to believe that spending too much time on apps, games, or what have you leads to adverse outcomes academically.”
Beth Sutter (senior, elementary education)

“Social media is how I keep in contact with my friends at home. If people are struggling with it, then sure, take a break. I’ll be using it for communication, though.”
Samuel Rivas (sophomore, Spanish and global studies)

“Social media fasting might be a good idea in concept, but it is highly impractical. Technological literacy is a requirement for most careers, including social media literacy. Companies need people who understand how consumers communicate with one another and how to advertise to them. Understanding the world of tech is a necessary modern skill. I don’t think getting away from it from time to time is a bad thing, but there isn’t a realistic outcome where people stop utilizing it altogether, not if they want a job anyway.”
Jess Sterman (freshman, undeclared)

These quotes reveal a variety of opinions on social media use and demonstrate that we could all be more intentional in the ways we use media. There are benefits we can gain from connecting with people over vast distances, but there are also drawbacks that we should consider so as not to be trapped by too much of a good thing. It is something that each of us must gauge for ourselves and learn how to balance technology in our lives.