Avoiding Social Media Distractions

Is social media taking away your focus from studying? It's not just you! Social media affects the brain's reward system and trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and satisfaction. Every time you receive a like, comment, or notification on social media, it triggers a release of dopamine in your brain, which can make you feel good and motivated to continue using social media. This creates a cycle of behaviour where you're constantly checking social media accounts in search of that same feeling of pleasure and satisfaction.But don't worry! You can limit the negative effects by setting usage timers, turning off notifications, and finding alternative activities:

1. Use usage timers on social apps:

Most social media apps have built-in usage timers that allow users to set limits on how much time they spend on the app. Check the settings of the app you use to see if this feature is available. Once you've found the usage timer setting, set a daily usage limit for the app. This will help you keep track of how much time you spend scrolling and provide a visual reminder of your progress. Set app time limits on your phone: In addition to the social media app settings, you can also set time limits on your phone itself. Most phones have a feature that allows you to set time limits for specific apps, which can help you stay within your daily usage limit.‍

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2. Turn off notifications or use Do Not Disturb:‍

Notifications from social media apps can be a major distraction. Simply turning off notifications or putting your phone on Do Not Disturb while studying helps reduce the urge to check social media.

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‍3. Find alternative activities:‍

When you feel the urge to check social media, try finding alternative activities to do. This can include going for a walk, reading a book, or doing a quick exercise routine. Doing an alternative activity can distract your brain from studying without doom-scrolling.

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Prioritizing your studies and managing social media use can help you stay on track and achieve your academic goals!