We live in a society where FOMO (Fear of missing out) is real. We must be updated with the latest news and constantly be in the loop of trends. While we should be aware of what is happening around us, we don’t always have to be the know-it-all. We typically get information from different media, and there are benefits to cutting down on media consumption.

We are all hyperconnected. We can pick up our phone and be on it 24/7. We can turn the TV on and binge on any news. We can turn on the radio and listen to the latest stories. We can know the latest gossip and the latest updates. And society has made it a commandment that we must know every event. Watch every series, see the in-and-out news, get the latest information on trends, and be aware of the newest meme. If we don’t, we are seen as mindless or silly. We must present ourselves as informed individuals every single time.

But is knowing and staying on top of everything necessary? How much energy, brainpower, and time would we have available if we cut down on media consumption? How much more rested would we feel if we were no longer excited about the latest scandal? 

Here are some of the benefits of cutting down on media consumption.

Elevate Self-awareness

Cutting down media consumption can direct our time and attention to essential things like feeling, thinking, and behaving.

I believe it has happened to all of us at some point where we get on our phones and say, “just for a few minutes,” and it turns into hours. We go into this state of mind where we no longer think about ourselves but focus more on others and what is happening in the media. We get so much information and quickly become lost in emotions and thoughts triggered by external factors. And it shouldn’t be this way. 

We should be able to put our time and attention into ourselves. Take time to learn about our emotional triggers, recognize our bad habits and their effects, learn to deal with external factors, or even pick up on some new hobbies.

Improve self-esteem

Comparison can bring down morale. And we are more than likely inclined to compare when we constantly see the information. We should learn to treat ourselves more kindly and focus on the positive by cutting down on media consumption.

Increase productivity 

Do more things you enjoy. Sometimes we are influenced by everything we see/hear in media and start doing more than what we truly want. We begin following trends and add more to our workload than we should. Minimizing media consumption allows us to be in charge of that precious time.  

While people think quitting media entirely is the best, we can still live harmoniously with media. We need to acknowledge and adjust our lives and relationships with the media.

Ways to cut down media consumption. 

• Silent your phone at night.
• Mute all accounts that don’t uplift yourself.
• Only follow or subscribe to accounts/ channels you want to be part of your support system.
• Set some time to disconnect from media, like scheduling walks in nature.
• Enjoy a media-free lunch or dinner a few times a week.
• Choose your media platforms wisely. You can be on some types of media.

For example, I get the news via email and read what matters to me. I could watch the news or spend some time on my phone and get the results, but most social media apps or news channels are made for you to stay inside their application. The more time spent there, the more information you will be presented with and the more intrigued you become to know more about others and keep up with events or the lives of others.

• Try listening to reading music while driving or commuting. Or scroll your window down and feel the air as you go. 
• Set time limits on apps like Meta.
• Fine-tune your notifications. Disable badges and banners that don’t bring you peace of mind. The next time you log into the app or website, you can check the notifications tab—no need to look at them twice if you don’t have to.

At the end of the day, knowledge is essential. Instead of staying on top of everything, stay on top of what matters to you. Stay on top of things that enhance your growth. Not what everyone wants you to talk about.