What daily social media usage is considered healthy?
Written by
Tran Quang
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.A healthy social media usage method combines connection with sanity through concise and effective limits to interaction. The suggested quantity of hours in a day to maintain quality engagement stresses quality over mindless scrolling. I coach clients to set boundaries that protect their mental faculties while keeping themselves apprised. The limit meant for you, and what is equally acceptable and productive, depends on the individual's personal needs and habits.
Time Boundaries
- Set daily maximums under 30 minutes total
- Schedule focused 10-15 minute sessions without multitasking
- Track usage with phone's built-in screen time features
Digital-Free Zones
- Zero usage during meals and family interactions
- Device-free bedrooms for better sleep hygiene
- No scrolling 90 minutes before bedtime
Content Prioritization
- Choose educational over entertainment content
- Mute triggering topics and accounts
- Follow creators that add value to your life
Time tolerances help us avoid digital overloads. Start with a 30-minute daily limit, set by your phone, for 2 weeks. I also recommend scheduling two sessions of focused interaction, each with 15-minute dedicated intervals. You can track your actual usage over the week to ascertain areas of improvement. I am aware of one client who regained 11 hours of weekly time, this way.
Digital-free zones preserve connections with people. Keeping mealtimes device-free strengthens connections within families. Consider charging phones outside of the bedroom to maintain better and more natural sleep hygiene. I personally try to do a digital detox for 90 minutes before bed each night. Since I've implemented this practice, my chronic insomnia has been eliminated for good.
Curation of content ultimately alters the passive consumption experience. Focus on posting educational content that teaches skills or shares knowledge. Mute accounts that create a negative feeling of comparison. I follow cooking tutorial accounts instead of influencer accounts. This makes social media feel academic instead of draining.
For most individuals, fully avoiding or eliminating their online virtual life is less preferred than intentionally engaging in moderation. Strive to strike a balance between connecting and preserving mental well-being. Routine assessments of your digital behavior can help you achieve that balance. After all, your digital experience should benefit you and not dominate you.
Read the full article: Social Media Detox: Essential Steps Guide
