Social Media has a bad rep for being all doom and gloom, but it has its positives. It’s how you use it that counts.

An estimated 5 – 10% of Americans are addicted to social media, 71% sleep with their phones each night, and 74% check Facebook every day.

If I told you that taking a social media break would change your life, would you believe me?

Electronic musician and producer Andy Leech experienced a less than healthy relationship with social media over the years, but learning to use social media more consciously has freed up time to dedicate to his physical and mental wellbeing –and, of course– creating music!

Social media companies cannot reach multi-billion dollar valuations based on controlled use. What they need is compulsive use, which is what happens when you get snagged into an addictive streak of low-value tapping, liking, and swiping.

If you’ve ever found yourself hating social media and wanting to take a break, this post is for you. We’re going to break down why people often hate social media, as well as how to effectively take a break. 

Larissa May, founder of Half the Story, a global not-for-profit, is on a mission is to empower youth to engage in technology with intention. She joined us on the Freedom Matters podcast to discuss the next generation’s relationship with social media, and the dangers of commercializing mental health.