Is social media getting the best out of you
Recently I found myself regularly sucked into the world of social media...
I’ve caught myself feeling the need to pop into Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Gmail for a quick visit whenever, I had 'free' moment and it really wasn't doing me a favour in terms of my homeschooling and parenting. That time, I could spend on something more productive like catching up on my planning, cleaning, reading, studying or even doing my Quran hifdh!
This time that Allah has given us, is a blessing from Allah but is also limited. Once it’s gone it’s gone.After contemplating, I became concerned enough to stop spending unnecessary time on social media.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ”Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth before you become old; your health, before you fall sick; your wealth, before you become poor; your free time before you become preoccupied, and your life, before your death.”
(Narrated by Ibn Abbas in the Mustadrak of Hakim & Musnad Imam Ahmad. Sahih)
Despite all the distractions that social media has, it can also bring benefits such as sharing important information, supporting others, keeping up-to date with social events and aiding those in need. However, these benefits need to be balanced. I can share with you, 5 easy ways that have helped me overcome my addiction, in the hope to help you all.
1 - To avoid distractions, switch off the push notifications on the phone. If someone needs to get hold of you urgently, they will call you.
2 - Set times to go on social media, and stick with those times. This will allow you to spend time on what is more important in your limited time.
3 - To avoid the easy access, delete the apps on your phone, to allow yourself to access it only via laptop at your set times.
4 - Clear your phone! I remember receiving over 400 messages from just one whats-app group! Leaving that group freed my mind to focus on things of true value. We don't have to be on every whats-app group, or FB page or Instagram page that we know of, we must overcome our fear of 'missing out on things' and be selective.
5 - Keep your phone in a different room! This really does work, wear a watch or have a clock in the house. Having a house phone would be a bonus, for urgent calls.
I hope these tips come in handy... Please leave a comment below on your experience with social media. Do you find yourself caught in social media often? Do you have any tips for managing your time online? I would love to hear your tips for managing internet in such a way that it does not get the best out of you. Inshaa Allah (God willing), we can beat the internet addiction together.
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