How Social Media is Killing Your Productivity: The Research Behind the Distraction

Social media takes over our lives and doesn’t make many people realize it’s not suitable for social life. We use them for a multitude of purposes. We communicate with friends and family, keep up with the latest news and trends, and promote our businesses. All of this is available on a smartphone – just a handout. However, getting used to social media can hurt our productivity. Moreover, many studies say that overuse of social media can lead to decreased overall performance. And that’s a bad sign.

There are many reasons, but the main reason why social media can be so detrimental to our productivity is that it is designed to be addictive. After all, as long as you’re sitting on Facebook, you’re selling yourself for pennies on the dollar by viewing ads. Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter are designed to keep us scrolling through them for as long as possible. The more time we spend on these platforms, the more ads we see, which leads to more platform revenue. That’s all the math behind our 21st-century hobbies.

However, the time we spend on social media comes at a cost. Studies have shown that social media can lead to a significant decrease in productivity.

Reasons Why Social Media is Killing Your Productivity

Here are some of the ways that social media can negatively impact our productivity:

• Distractions:

Social media is a constant source of distraction. Every notification or post triggers a release of dopamine in our brains, which can be addictive. This makes it challenging to stay focused on tasks, leading to procrastination and lost time.

• Sleep disruption:

Social media use before bedtime can disrupt our sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and decreased productivity the next day.

• Negative emotions:

Social media can also trigger negative emotions such as envy, anxiety, and depression. Seeing other people’s filtered and curated lives can make us feel inadequate or insecure. This can lead to decreased self-esteem and motivation, impacting our productivity.

What can you do:

• Set boundaries: Set limits with Sidekick on on how much time you spend on social media daily. Consider using apps like that to track your usage and remind you when you’ve reached your limit.
• Schedule social media time: Instead of checking social media throughout the day, schedule specific times to check-in. This can help you stay focused on your work and reduce distractions.
• Multitasking: Social media encourages multitasking, which has been shown to decrease productivity. Turn off notifications: Turn off notifications for social media apps on your phone and computer. This can help reduce distractions and increase your focus.
• Take breaks: Instead of scrolling through social media during breaks, consider taking a walk, practising mindfulness, or doing something else that helps you recharge.
• Use productivity apps: Many productivity apps are available that can help you stay focused and minimize distractions. For example, apps like Freedom and Focus@Will can block access to social media during work hours.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, social media can be a powerful tool for staying connected and promoting your business. However, it can also be a significant source of distraction and a productivity killer. By setting boundaries, scheduling social media time, turning off notifications, taking breaks, and using productivity apps, you can combat the adverse effects of social media and improve your productivity. Remember, social media should be a tool, not a distraction.