4 Ways to Keep Social Networking from Taking over Your Life

Of course, as mentioned on this blog and various other ones, social networking tools have revolutionized how we both work and play. At the same time, however, it can easily become a very quick addiction. Especially with the proliferation of mobile devices like iPads and smart phones, staying disconnected from social networking and media has become virtually impossible. At the same time, however, there are certain steps you can take to keep the Internet from taking over your brain and your life. Here are some things I have tried:

Use tools like StayFocused to limit your time spent on social networking sites on your home and office computer.

StayFocused is a Google Chrome plug in that enables you to set certain sites on a list and specify how much time you’d like to spend on each site per day. For example, if you want to limit your Facebook stalking to an hour per day, after your time is up, the site is looked until after midnight of that day.

If you don’t need your smart phone when you are participating in a social event, don’t take it with you.

Smart phones can sometimes be a worst nightmare for those who like to socialize in the offline world. One of my biggest pet peeves is when I’m out with friends who seem as though they’d rather tweet about where they are instead actually being there and enjoying others’ company. If you don’t absolutely need your phone, leave it in the car or leave it at home. You can also ask a friend to hold on to it for you.

Limit your use of networking sites to their specific purpose.

Facebook enables you to connect and keep up with friends. Twitter enables users to update their personal and professional network, promote businesses, and keep in touch with current affairs. LinkedIn helps users develop a professional network for career advancement. Other than these very specific purposes, these sites don’t serve much use. So clear up the extraneous things on your Facebook page, like all the time-draining games like Mafia Wars, and keep things simple.

Have a social networking fast once a month for a few days.

 As someone who spends so much time on the Internet for work, I truly did not realize how stressful it can be to always be connected. Then, when I went on a vacation and promised my family I would not use the Internet, I was amazed by how much more relaxed I felt. Do yourself a favor and swear off social networking for a few days every month. After your fast, you’ll realize you are much more in control.