Too Much Social Media Can Hurt Your Health. This App Can Help You Cut Back
“Our ‘always on’ culture isn’t new, but it’s most certainly spreading,” says Jennifer Moss, author of The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress and How We Can Fix It. “We’re checking our smartwatches while watching our kids play soccer, or checking a text while trying to read a book.”
This article looks at the negative impact of excessive screen time, particularly on mental health and sleep, and introduces an app called One Sec that aims to help users reduce their screen time. The app prompts users to pause and set an intention before opening certain targeted apps, disrupting the automatic reflex to mindlessly open apps. One study found that using One Sec for six weeks resulted in a 57% decrease in usage of certain apps like social media.
Jennifer Moss, the author of The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress and How We Can Fix It, discusses the prevalence of our "always on" culture and the need to prioritize in-person relationships and outdoor activities. Jennifer talks about the importance of setting personal limits on social media apps that are deemed depleting. The author highlights the addictive nature of social media and the dopamine rush that notifications, likes, and comments provide. It explains that this constant need for screen time can prevent individuals from fully enjoying the present moment. Jennifer Kelman, a licensed social worker and mental health expert, emphasizes the importance of understanding why we crave screen time in order to break the cycle.
The app, One Sec, helps users reflect on their intentions and decide whether they truly want to use a particular app. It also allows users to program the app to target specific triggering apps without completely cutting them out. By setting boundaries and being more intentional about app usage, individuals can potentially develop healthier social media habits that align with their well-being.
The author discusses the negative effects of excessive screen time and introduces the app One Sec as a tool to help users reduce their usage. They emphasize the need to understand why we crave screen time and the importance of setting boundaries and being intentional about app usage. Jennifer provides insights into the impact of our "always on" culture and suggests alternative ways to prioritize well-being.