Embrace a More Intentional Life with These 5 Alternatives
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Chapter 1: The Social Media Trap
In today's digital age, one of the most detrimental ways we spend our leisure time is by endlessly scrolling through social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat.
According to Statista, individuals averaged 147 minutes daily on these apps in 2022—roughly 2.5 hours each day! The way we accumulate this time can differ widely; some may binge on these platforms first thing in the morning or right before bed, while others might engage in short bursts throughout the day.
Regardless of the method, these hours often fade into oblivion. I describe this phenomenon as "sinister" because we frequently lose track of why we’re spending so much time on these platforms. It’s rarely about connecting with close friends or family. Even if our social circles are filled with fascinating individuals from around the globe, staying connected doesn’t require 2.5 hours daily.
Our lengthy engagement with these platforms stems from the fact that brilliant minds are tirelessly working to create algorithms designed solely to capture your attention. The more time you invest, the more revenue these companies generate. This explains why the content becomes increasingly enticing—not because it enriches our lives, but rather because it boosts the profits of social media giants.
What Can You Do Instead?
If you consciously choose to invest just a fraction of that 2.5 hours—say, 30 minutes—into healthier activities, you can significantly enhance your quality of life. Initially, this shift may prove challenging, as every element of these social media platforms is crafted to exploit your dopamine responses. You might experience withdrawal as you form new habits. However, with persistence and a well-structured environment, you can overcome these cravings and cultivate a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Let’s explore five healthy alternatives to mainstream social media applications. You don't have to adopt all five; select what resonates with you and share your experiences below over the coming weeks or months.
Section 1.1: Read Later Apps (Instapaper, Pocket, Raindrop)
These reading applications allow you to save articles or blog posts that catch your interest online. Many of these platforms offer a visually pleasing reading experience, tools for highlighting and making notes, and the ability to read offline without distractions. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Instapaper
- Raindrop
- Matter
The healthiness of this alternative largely depends on the content you choose to save. Unlike social media apps driven by addictive algorithms, your choices here can be more intentional and beneficial to your life. Personally, I favor well-researched, long-form articles. When I come across something intriguing, I quickly save it to my chosen app, Raindrop.io, using a browser extension or the iOS share sheet. Later, when I have a moment to spare, I opt to read a few paragraphs or entire articles instead of mindlessly browsing Instagram or TikTok.
Section 1.2: A Medium Subscription
For many, managing a read-it-later app may feel burdensome. It requires you to "bookmark" content you want to revisit, which, despite being relatively easy, still introduces some friction that social media lacks. A good middle ground is the platform Medium.
Medium hosts a diverse array of writings from everyday individuals sharing their lives. Daily, I discover insightful and relatable articles that offer practical ideas to integrate into my own life. The Medium algorithm typically avoids clickbait, recommending only valuable content. Most articles are straightforward, informative, and enjoyable, providing an excellent way to occupy your time instead of aimlessly scrolling through social media.
Top 5 Social Media Apps You've Never Heard Of - YouTube: This video outlines lesser-known social media alternatives that can enrich your online experience.
Section 1.3: Enjoying Good Podcasts
Shifting from written to audio content, podcasts have surged in popularity as a fantastic way to spend time while learning and growing. Listening to podcasts is one of the easiest ways to fill your time. Consider trying out some of my favorite podcast apps:
- Snipd
- Overcast
- Pocket Casts
There are numerous educational and informative podcasts available. If you're just getting started, check out some of my top recommendations.
Sarah Davidson Shares Her Tips on Curbing Social Media Addiction - YouTube: In this insightful video, Sarah discusses practical strategies for reducing social media use and cultivating healthier habits.
Chapter 2: The Timeless Joy of Books
In this digital era dominated by platforms like TikTok and Instagram, consider returning to the age-old tradition of reading books.
Why should you read books when instant content is at your fingertips? Books offer something that quick social media posts simply cannot: the ability to deeply immerse yourself in narratives and learn from the experiences of those who came before you. Whether you choose fiction or non-fiction, books provide a level of understanding and retention that fleeting social media content can't match.
If you're seeking book recommendations, take a look at what I've recently enjoyed or plan to read in 2023.
Section 2.1: Embracing Micro Journaling
I discovered the concept of "micro journaling" through a captivating YouTube video. I’ve met individuals here in Toronto who have embraced journaling for years and swear by its benefits!
Instead of filling your free time with mindless content, grab your favorite notes app (or simply use Apple Notes or Google Docs) and jot down whatever thoughts come to mind. The idea is that by writing your thoughts on paper, you’re releasing them from your mind.
If you’ve never journaled or feel daunted by the idea of extensive writing, start small. Write brief bullet points whenever you have a few moments to spare, and you might be surprised at how much clearer your thinking becomes.
Please share your experiences if you decide to implement any of these changes in your life. I would love to hear from you! Whether through comments or email, let’s connect. I hope you found this information valuable and can take actionable steps toward a more fulfilling life.