The 30-Minute Ick Factor
Have you heard of the "30-minute ick factor"?
It is a research term for when you open social media for a few minutes, get pulled into the scroll, and suddenly, thirty minutes (or more) have passed. You are left with that slightly gross feeling because of the time you just lost.
I've noticed a difference in myself: if I have designated some time to spend on social media for fun, I don't get the ick factor. However, if I only meant to check quickly and it turns into something much longer, it feels unpleasant.
As with many negative habits we want to change, simply giving it a name can help. Awareness makes it easier to spot when it is happening.
But what else can we do?
Recently, I have been making an effort to be more intentional with my social media use. I have gradually removed most of the apps from my phone, keeping only Instagram (for now). If I want to check in elsewhere, I need to do it on my computer. That shift has already helped. I am now considering setting timers as well.
What about you? Are you using social media differently these days? Do you have any strategies for avoiding "the ick"?
