This chronicle is for you, regardless of whether you are in the maternity period or are childless, single or in a relationship, grandparent or parent. What we all have in common is that we face the biggest threat to being present in our own lives: social media. I hope this text either inspires you or triggers something in you – both are signs of a longing for real presence. Taking a break from social media during the summer holidays can be the first step towards regaining your presence. At the time of writing, I have been without social media for eleven months. I started a self-chosen experiment last year, logging off all social media platforms for a year. The purpose was to explore how it would affect all aspects of my life. Absence from social media does not guarantee a summer holiday free of stress and challenging days, but they rarely offer lasting relief on difficult days, writes Tina Løvberg (pictured). Photo: Pruvat The idea of taking a step back to see my own life and the society we live in with new eyes began to grow after I became a mother for the first time in 2019. I waited for the right moment to log off. But when is the right time to take a break from daily updates from other people’s lives and documentation of your own, with lots of expectations and responses? Since social media is open 24/7 and designed to engage us continuously, I realized that I had to challenge the established truth that “right now is not the right time to log off.” We as individuals must take control of the use of the platforms. If not, they take control of us. It is not necessarily about deleting the social media permanently, but about creating space for reflection and deeper connections. About being present in reality. Less availability online makes us more accessible to what really matters. I can promise that it will give you a more relaxing and enriching holiday. Social media can create an illusion of timelessness, where hours disappear from our own lives, while we immerse ourselves in the digital reality. But when we detach ourselves from the screen, we open the door to the real world. It is then that we realize how quickly time can pass, and how distant we can feel from the moment when we are immersed in the virtual. When we are present without reaching for our mobile, without documenting or checking other people’s posts, then we can really experience that time stands still and take in all the impressions around us. If you spend three hours a day on social media, which is not unusual, that corresponds to 45 days a year. It is obvious that this does something to us, not only to our health, but also to our ability to be present. Why should we take this seriously? Presence helps us reduce worries, both about the past and the future. It can reduce stress and anxiety. It gives clearer thoughts, which, among other things, affects judgment and the ability to make decisions. You get increased creativity because your thoughts flow freely, and you can discover new ideas without distractions. It provides room for self-reflection, which is important for personal growth. Human basic needs, such as physical activity, sleep, diet and social relationships, have always been important. Social media is a new addition to everyday life that disrupts the baseline if one is not aware. The summer holidays are a perfect opportunity to reduce screen time, take care of basic needs, be present and really appreciate experiences. If you feel a rush of validation through your reward system this summer, remember that likes and comments don’t say anything about who you really are, but rather the glossy image you present. This short-term gratification can lead to a dependence on confirmation, which in turn can reinforce feelings of insecurity and loneliness when it is not forthcoming. We need human presence, touch, facial expressions and body language to feel safe and connected. Likes and comments can never replace real good conversations in real life. Social media only gives an illusion of belonging. Face-to-face interactions are important from birth to death, and it is through them that we learn to understand and express emotions, build trust and strengthen bonds with others. Although an absence from social media cannot guarantee a summer vacation free of stress and challenging days, it is important to recognize that social media rarely offers lasting relief from difficult days. Often the opposite happens, and it is easy to fall into the comparison trap when you see other people’s perfect pictures and experiences. When we choose to take a break, we give ourselves the opportunity to be present in our own lives, without the constant access to other people’s carefully selected images. Instead, you can listen to what comes from within, practice self-care and seek support from close friends and family, when you need it most. Although there is no universal cure for life’s challenges, the absence of social media can be a great advantage in the search for inner peace and contentment. It’s about choosing what really nourishes the soul. What gives us the strength to handle both the good and the challenging days with greater courage – also during the holidays. Still have a good summer! Published 18.07.2024, at 05.19
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Rediscover the summer holidays – Ytring
