How to Spend Less Time on Facebook (and Why It's So Addictive)

Facebook still claims the top spot on the social media popularity lists, and millions of accounts post new content every single day. If you find yourself wasting too much time scrolling your feed, liking comments, and making some of your own, you should consider the possibility that you are addicted. Yes, all sorts of people get trapped in the social media cycle and exhibit many of the same characteristics that addicts do. Once you understand why this happens, you can begin to change your Facebook habits and break free of social media.

Why Is Facebook So Addictive?

If you start scrolling through your social media feed only to look up at the clock and experience surprise at how much time has passed, you may be addicted. If the first thing you think of when something interesting happens in your life is to post about it, it's a sure sign. These types of habits come about due to a very real scientific truth. When something pleasurable happens, your brain rewards you. This can include seeing something interesting on social media, getting a thumbs up on your post or comment, or having a positive interaction with another person. The best part of Facebook is that you can get these very quickly at any time of the day or night.

Take These Steps to Break Facebook Addiction

Before you consider deleting Facebook altogether, explore why you use it so much in the first place. This popular social media platform is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends across the country or around the world. It does offer news, brand information, and even educational content. However, most people do not use it only for these things. Identify what your main goals are with Facebook and limit your activities to them alone.

Determine if other options make more sense. For example, you can call your sister once a week and get updates on her life instead of checking in on Facebook every hour to see if she posted her lunch or a new picture of her dog in a slightly different pose than the last one. Instead of getting news updates from social media, consider using one of the major websites or shows on TV.

Limit how much time you allow yourself to use Facebook. Set alarms on your smartphone or use site-blocker apps to make it impossible to go there at all. If you currently scroll through your newsfeed or comment sections for three hours a day, set up fifteen-minute blocks multiple times instead.

Another option is to disable comments and likes completely. This will help you avoid getting wrapped up into popularity contests and emotion-triggering conversations. Get your validation from another source or simply feel proud of yourself because you are breaking your Facebook addiction once and for all.

Once you understand why Facebook is so addictive and explore just how much time you spend on it every day or week, you can take steps to minimize your involvement. When you replace social media use with other rewarding activities, you can experience the same positivity and mental boost without wasting all your time. Adopt one or more of the tips listed in this article to get started on your new habits.