Healthier social media habits that do not require quitting

Social media helps us connect, learn and earn. But it can also eat hours and leave us feeling worse. You do not need to delete everything. You can adjust how you use it.

Notice how it makes you feel

For a week, pay attention to which accounts leave you calm or inspired and which leave you anxious, angry or jealous. Be honest about the pattern.

Control your notifications

• Turn off alerts for likes and non-urgent messages.
• Allow only the notifications that matter, such as direct messages from close people.
• Check at set times instead of every few minutes.

Curate your feed

1. Mute or unfollow accounts that make you feel bad.
2. Follow people who teach, encourage or entertain you in a healthy way.
3. Use the "not interested" tools so the app shows you better content.

Set time limits

Most phones can show how long you spend in each app. Choose a daily limit and use the built-in timer. Keep the phone out of the bedroom if you can.

Remember what you see

People show highlights, not the whole story. Comparing your real life to someone else's edited posts is unfair to you.

Protect your relationships

Put the phone down during meals, prayers and conversations. Real attention is a gift.

Use it with purpose

Before you open an app, ask what you came to do. When you have done it, close it.

Written by the EarnNaija team at EarnNaija Digital Technologies.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Earnings are never guaranteed. See our fees page for the exact costs.