Logged In, Tuned Out?
Social media has always been more than just an app on my phone, it’s been a creative outlet, a career stepping stone, and honestly, sometimes, a bit of a mental drain. As a freshly graduated graphic and interactive design major, I’ve spent a lot of time both studying and using social media in a hands-on way. I’ve designed posts for clubs back in high school, and now I manage content for local businesses and student organizations. It’s become a big part of my day-to-day life, not just for sharing work, but for building communities and telling visual stories that connect with people.
When It Starts to Feel Like Too Much
But let’s be real: as much as I love the creative side of social media, it can also be exhausting. I’ve definitely felt the effects of too much screen time and the constant pressure to be “on.” Last fall, I took a class that challenged us to give up a form of media for a week. I decided to challenge myself and go all in — I took two weeks off Instagram with the goal of decreasing my screen time, the amount of phone pick-ups, and get back into my love of reading.
It wasn’t just about avoiding Instagram. It was about noticing how often I reached for my phone out of habit and choosing something more intentional instead (because I did that more than I’d like to admit). That small break gave me a sense of mental clarity I hadn’t felt in a while. It reminded me that taking time away doesn’t mean stepping back from creativity, it can actually give it room to breathe.
Where It’s All Going
Looking ahead, I know social media isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s only becoming more immersive. Technologies like AI and VR are starting to shape the way we interact online. According to The Social Media Bible by Lon Safko, we’re heading toward platforms that are not just personalized, but emotionally responsive. You’ve probably noticed this already from AI-generated content to virtual influencers that feel strangely real.
It’s exciting, but it also raises questions about what kind of spaces we want to spend our time in.
Staying Intentional
As someone entering the design field, I want to help shape those spaces with care. For me, that means using social media to share thoughtful, creative content, but also remembering to unplug when I need to. Whether I’m designing a campaign or taking a break to read, I’m learning that balance is key. Social media is powerful, but it’s how we use it that makes the real difference.
