Illinois residents will soon have a chance to take a break from the constant scrolling, liking, and sharing that has become a normal part of our daily lives. The state’s lawmakers have passed a resolution calling for the designation of a day specifically dedicated to stepping away from social media.
The resolution, proposed by State Senator Sue Rezin, aims to bring awareness to the impact that excessive social media use can have on our mental health. The statistics are alarming – death by suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 14 and 20 to 34, according to research from the CDC.
In addition to this, the American Psychological Association has found that reducing social media usage by 50% for a period of weeks can result in significant improvements in how young adults view their weight and overall appearance. These findings serve as a wake-up call for all of us to reevaluate our relationship with social media.
To address this pressing issue, Friday, May 17 has been officially designated as “Take a Break From Social Media Day” in the state of Illinois. This day will serve as a reminder to put down our phones and step away from the digital world, even if it’s just for a few hours.
But this resolution is not the only step being taken to address the impact of social media on our well-being. Senator Rezin has also proposed various pieces of legislation to tackle this issue, including the implementation of Internet Safety classes for students and the creation of a Privacy Rights Act to protect consumers’ personal information.
The need for such actions is evident, as we have become a society heavily reliant on social media and its constant flow of information and distractions. We often find ourselves mindlessly scrolling through feeds, comparing ourselves to others, and chasing the instant gratification of likes and followers. But in this process, we often neglect our mental and emotional well-being.
It’s time to take a step back and prioritize our health. Let’s use this designated day as an opportunity to disconnect from the virtual world and reconnect with ourselves and those around us. Spend time with friends and family, engage in activities that bring you joy, or simply take a moment to relax and reflect.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, know that help is always available. You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. Additionally, you can visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
Let’s use this day as a reminder to take care of ourselves, both physically and mentally. Let’s break away from the constant pressure and obsession with social media, even if it’s just for a day. Because in the end, our well-being should always come first.
