Every time you try to open social media, wait. The effectiveness of one sec has been confirmed in a peer-reviewed scientific study with the Max-Planck Institute and Heidelberg University. You just wanted to check that one message β and ended up scrolling on Instagram for 30 minutes? Social media is designed to keep you hooked. Time that could be spent so much better β with your family and friends, getting work done or for your hobbies and wellbeing.
This number is insane and I am not able to comprehend how much time is usually wasted on social media apps. On average, an online user spends 17 hours per week on social media. Studies show that heavy social media use is associated with an increase of psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. The majority of young adults meet the criteria for problematic internet use. Our social media habits are the outcome of psychological mechanisms that apps trigger in our brains. They use the system of instant gratification which releases dopamine whenever we perceive a like or a message on our phone.
By making you wait longer for social media to open, your brain loses interest in those destructive short-term dopamine hits. Many apps and tools block social media for a limited amount of time to help you focus.
This might increase your productivity for the moment, but the real problem β your habitual urge to check apps and websites to get that dopamine boost β stays. How one sec can transform your life? High social media usage is often related to depression and anxiety symptoms. Replace bad habits with good ones: one sec suggests alternatives when you open apps.
Studies have shown that reduced social media use leads to increased sport activity. Studies have shown that reduced social media use leads to reduced smoking behavior. Prevent impulse purchases with one sec. Prevent scrolling mindlessly before you go to bed β and block apps automatically after waking up. Realize and question every single attempt to use social media.
