Minimalism: The Path to an Organized, Stress-free and Decluttered Life

by Gwyneth Snow

One of the biggest reasons why unplugging is considered to be a positive idea in the eyes of prominent researchers today is that interaction with technology and, in particular, social media can leave an individual with feelings of jealousy or loneliness. Let’s take a minute and think about Facebook. If you have a Facebook account, ask yourself how much time you spend looking at other people’s photos and updates. Then ask yourself how this information can often make you feel. The reality is that while Facebook does certainly bring the world closer in the sense that you can be friends with people all over the globe, people often only post personal updates on Facebook and other forms of social media only when they’re proud of something or when they are looking to show-off in some way. You might end up feeling even more disconnected from the people you know, which is ironic as technology is supposed to solve the disconnectedness. You might start comparing yourself to the situation and circumstances of others. And all of these feelings are negative, and chip away at your self-esteem. Taking a couple of days out of the week to just unplug can be healthy and relaxing.