For a long time, I puzzled over why some people are constantly muting their contacts on social media.
We all know the pattern:
– Ignoring notifications
– Regularly muting chats
– Scrolling without engaging
– A digital detox now and then.
And to navigate the social media landscape without letting it consume your entire life.
There was a time when I couldn’t quite understand this behavior.
I was someone who was always online, constantly checking notifications, engaging in every conversation, and frankly, getting overwhelmed by the incessant digital chatter.
During that phase, I found myself constantly stressed, sleep-deprived, and caught in the whirlwind of digital communication.
It felt like I was spiraling into a vortex of endless scrolling and needless interaction. I was just an average Joe trying to keep up with the digital world and feeling pretty drained in the process.
This all changed when I stumbled upon an intriguing psychology study about the behaviors of people who regularly mute their contacts on social media.
In this article, I’ll share these 7 behaviors. They certainly gave me a fresh perspective; hopefully, they’ll do the same for you.
Let’s dive right in.
1) They value their time
The first behavior that struck me among people who regularly mute their contacts on social media is their high regard for their own time.
It may seem obvious, but when you’re caught in the whirlwind of endless scrolling and constant notifications, it’s easy to forget how much time you’re actually wasting.
People who mute their contacts are not necessarily anti-social. Instead, they’ve simply learned to prioritize their time effectively. They know that every minute spent on mindless scrolling is a minute not spent on something potentially more fulfilling or productive.
This realization was a game-changer for me. I began to mute unnecessary group chats, silence non-urgent notifications, and suddenly, I had so much more time on my hands.
And it wasn’t just about having more time; it was about having better quality time. I was able to focus on tasks without being constantly interrupted, and I found I was actually more present in my real-life interactions.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by social media, try this: start by muting just one group chat or one contact – preferably someone or something that isn’t critical to your day-to-day life. Notice how it feels to have that little bit of extra space in your day.
Just like my experience with mindfulness, this simple step could be the beginning of a healthier, more balanced relationship with social media.
2) They understand the impact of digital overload
The second behavior that stood out was a deeper understanding of the impact of digital overload on mental health.
I remember a time when I would wake up to dozens of notifications on my phone. Before I had even gotten out of bed, I was already feeling overwhelmed. It felt like I was constantly playing catch-up, and it wasn’t a pleasant feeling.
People who mute their contacts on social media have recognized this digital overload and taken steps to manage it. They know that constantly being ‘on’ can lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout.
Famous psychologist Dr. Larry Rosen said, “We are all becoming addicted to our smartphones, and it’s impacting our relationships and our mental health.” This quote resonated deeply with me. I realized that my constant need to be connected was actually disconnecting me from real-life experiences and interactions.
So, I decided to take action. I started by setting specific ‘no-phone’ periods during my day – first thing in the morning and last thing at night. It was challenging at first, but gradually, I started noticing a difference. I felt less stressed and more in control.
If you’re stuck in the cycle of digital overload, try setting boundaries for yourself. Designate specific times during the day when you will not check your phone or social media. This small step could have a big impact on your mental health.
3) They value real connections
The third behavior I noticed was a greater emphasis on fostering real, meaningful connections.
I recall a phase where I had hundreds of ‘friends’ on social media but felt incredibly lonely. The irony wasn’t lost on me. I was spending so much time online, but the interactions were superficial at best.
People who mute their contacts on social media understand the importance of quality over quantity. They know that having a thousand online friends can’t replace the value of a few close, meaningful relationships.
So, I began to shift my focus. Instead of trying to keep up with everyone online, I started investing more time in the people who truly mattered – my family, my close friends, and even myself.
I started having deeper conversations, spending quality time without the distraction of a screen, and I felt a sense of connection that was missing before.
If you’re feeling disconnected despite being constantly connected online, try this: instead of responding to every comment or message on social media, take some time out to have a face-to-face conversation with someone you care about.
This shift in focus could help you build stronger connections and feel more fulfilled.
4) They are better at managing stress
The fourth behavior that caught my attention was a better ability to manage stress.
I used to think that checking social media was a good way to relax. I mean, who doesn’t like scrolling through funny memes or cute pet videos? But over time, I found that it was actually adding to my stress levels.
And it turns out, there’s science to back this up. A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found that reducing social media usage can significantly decrease feelings of loneliness and depression.
The participants who limited their social media usage to 30 minutes per day reported reduced levels of anxiety and fear of missing out.
Taking a cue from this, I started limiting my time on social media platforms. And guess what? It worked! I felt less anxious and more in control. My mind wasn’t constantly buzzing with notifications, and I could focus on things that truly mattered.
If you’re constantly feeling stressed, consider cutting down your social media usage. Even a small reduction can make a significant difference to your mental wellbeing.
5) They are more productive
The fifth behavior that struck me was an increase in productivity.
I remember times when I would sit down to work, only to be distracted by a ping on my phone. It was just a quick check, I’d tell myself, but before I knew it, half an hour had gone by.
People who mute their contacts on social media have found a way to combat this. By reducing the constant influx of notifications, they are able to focus better and get more done.
Inspired by this, I decided to try it for myself. I turned off my social media notifications during work hours and noticed a significant increase in my productivity. Tasks that used to take me hours were done in much less time.
If you’re struggling with productivity, try muting your social media notifications for specific periods. You might be surprised at how much more you can achieve without the constant distractions.
6) They have improved self-esteem
The sixth behavior that became apparent to me was an improvement in self-esteem.
I remember scrolling through social media, looking at everyone’s highlight reels – their perfect vacations, their happy families, their successful careers – and feeling inadequate in comparison.
People who mute their contacts on social media are less likely to fall into this comparison trap. They understand that social media is not an accurate reflection of reality and can separate the online personas from the real people behind them.
This reminded me of a quote by renowned psychologist Dr. Leon Festinger: “A person’s evaluation of his own abilities will often depend on comparison with others.”
Taking this to heart, I began to mute or unfollow accounts that made me feel bad about myself. Instead, I started focusing on my own achievements and self-growth. I felt more confident and happier with who I was.
If you find yourself constantly comparing your life to others on social media, consider muting the accounts that trigger these feelings. Start focusing on your own journey and celebrate your small victories. It can do wonders for your self-esteem.
7) They actually enjoy social media more
The seventh and perhaps most surprising behavior is this: People who regularly mute their contacts on social media actually end up enjoying it more.
I know, it sounds counterintuitive. But think about it. When your social media feed is cluttered with irrelevant posts and you’re bombarded with notifications, it becomes a source of stress rather than enjoyment.
But when you mute the noise and focus on the content that truly interests you, social media can become a tool for learning, inspiration, and connection.
For me, once I started curating my feed and controlling my notifications, I found myself looking forward to checking social media. It became a place where I could catch up with friends, learn new things, and be inspired rather than feeling overwhelmed or inadequate.
Here’s a practical tip: Spend some time going through your feed and mute or unfollow accounts that don’t add value to your life. Keep only those that inspire you, educate you, or make you happy.
You might find that social media becomes a much more enjoyable space.
Conclusion
Navigating the ever-buzzing world of social media can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. People who regularly mute their contacts on social media have found ways to make this space work for them, rather than against them.
Remember, it’s not about disconnecting entirely but about being selective with your time and attention. Start small. Mute one group chat, unfollow one account, set a ‘no-phone’ period in your day.
It’s about taking control back from the digital world and using it to enhance your life, not consume it.
You have the power to shape your digital experience. Use it wisely, and you might find that social media can be a tool for growth and connection, rather than a source of stress and comparison.
Good luck on your journey to a healthier digital life!
