1. Without having experienced a social media withdrawal, how can you imagine it would it affect your daily routine?

I have never purposefully experienced a social media withdrawl but sometimes it happens on accident. For example, when I have a very busy week I hardly ever check my social media (ie. Facebook). Not too long ago I even received an email from Facebook that said I hadn’t been on my account for a long time and that I have been missing what was going on with all of my friends. I am not a huge fan of social media so not having social media woudn’t really disrupt by day as much as not allow me a distraction from homework.

2. Once you have answered 1 above, complete a self-imposed “unplugging” from one or more social networks that you typically use. Fully dis-engage from your iPhone, Facebook, Twitter or other social tool. How long were you able to stay unplugged? What was easiest/hardest about disengaging? What did you learn in the process?

I tried to purposefully “unplug” but found it difficult. During the day is easy because I am so busy between classes, work, research and other activities. Night though is much harder because I need a break by the time I finally get back home and social media is a great way to take a mental break. I am able to go on Facebook and just see what the world is up to. The main reason I go on Facebook though is to prolong doing my homework. I honestly could deactivate my Facebook and be fine, it’s my email that I couldn’t live without. I learned that students use social media as an outlet from school work and a way to find out what’s happening with everyone. People may say that social media is causing less social interactions, which I strongly agree it is, but in other ways it promotes social interaction. For example by being on Facebook my roommates and myself were able to have a discussion about different things that we had seen on Facebook. People will say “did you see (insert cool fact) on Facebook?” Which then creates a conversation between people.

3. What alternatives to completely unplugging might be good suggestions for your peers as they learn to balance social engagement in online and real-world environments?

Stay busy and get involved! If you are busy you won’t feel compelled to constantly be checking your Facebook for updates. That being said I also would suggest not having Facebook updates be sent to your phone so that you don’t have an excuse to constantly be connected to Facebook. Students are always on their phones checking Facebook, email, or texting everywhere they go. Even just as simple as putting your phone in a bag instead of having it in your pocket will prevent the habit of constantly being on your phone. I think that social media is a good thing when used in moderation. I read a yahoo article a while ago that said that students are having a harder time interviewing because they are lacking proper social skills due to the increase in online social media and decrease in personal interaction.