10 Boundaries To Set For Internet and Social Media Use

Boundaries are a very important tool and strategy to help in a variety of situations. They can help us keep things from feeling overwhelming, to protect our time and our energy, keep space between certain people or temptations, and they can help us meet our goals, and make healthy choices.

1. Set and stick to daily limits.

Examples: *I will read no more than 2 articles a day

*I will only read articles from government or hospital websites

*I will only check statistics 1 time a day

2. Be mindful of what specific topic you are looking for information on. If an article does not pertain to the topic skip it for today's limit.

Example: If you are looking for a list of providers in your area treat a specific health condition this means that clicking on a link about a person who had medical complications from your condition would NOT be included in the topic you are researching today… this means you don’t take the clickbait, maintain your boundary, and keep scrolling for what you ARE looking for.

3. Consider your sources. Stick to the same sources and make sure they are reliable and factual.

4. Avoid media consumption in the evening and close to bedtime. Tip- It can be helpful to consume media where there is some extra accountability to stop. Looking at social media before bed can be tricky because you can bump your bedtime back vs. looking at social media in the waiting room before an appointment means you have to turn it off and stop when your appointment starts.

5. Be mindful of how often you are commenting on or, talking with friends and family about the information you read on the internet.

6. Set boundaries with friends and family if the conversation is revolving about a topic you need a break from or have hit your limit on. Let them know that you are taking a break from that topic and move the conversation to a more pleasant one. Script- Hey! <typical phone/text chit chat> I was looking forward to talking to you but before we get into our call I need to tell you I am spent on talking about topic X. I promised myself I would give my mind/emotions a break on this so I am looking forward to chatting with you about other things as a helpful distraction.

7. Block or hide posts or people in your network if their content/posts/comments are too frequent or upsetting.

8. Adjust alerts and notifications on your phone to be disabled or less frequent.

9. Accept, take the responsibility and acknowledge that you have the power to set and follow your limits and boundaries.

10. Remember to make time for the "sunny side" of the internet/social media.

Ideas: * Look up recipes

* Teach yourself and practice new skills-Knitting, photography, woodworking

*Learn about a new topic- Retirement plans, the best plants to grow where you live

*Find inspiration- Travel ideas, home décor ideas, workout routines

*Check out pictures of family, friends, nature, and cute animals :)