5 excuses for checking social media

I am here to talk about the larger question looming from our rapid and pervasive integration of all things digital and social: How do we disconnect?

A long vacation to a remote island or mountain range should not be the only occasion to embrace a world away from the digital space. For our own sanity, happiness, and, ultimately, productivity, we need to become pros not only at turning on engaging social strategies, but also at turning off the constant flood of information and our compulsion to wade into it.

Below are five excuses you should never use when you find yourself firing up your favorite app on your smart device when the real world is begging for your attention.

1. I’m going to miss something.

News travels fast, even outside social media, and if some event is that big and important, you will hear about it. I have never heard of anyone’s regret over missing a status update because they were too busy living. I can’t say the same of the reverse. Plus, all that you think you’re missing out on will always be waiting for you when you return.

2. People want to hear from me.