Applying Yogic Philosophy To Combat Social Media Addiction
                     Applying Yogic Philosophy To 
Combat Social Media Addiction
Chaitanya Kumari
Writes informational articles to make Living-smartly.com 
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repository of ancient wisdom of India. Articles are on 
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The impact of social media outreach continues to shape our 
lives, however, its transformative effects have also led to 
rising addiction levels and innumerable ill effects on mental 
health. This article proposes to discuss some basic tenets of 
yogic philosophy in India, offering insights and direct 
methods to develop mindfulness, awareness, self-discipline, 
and a sense of balance in addressing the digital distractions 
in our interconnected worlds. This multifaceted approach, 
uniting ancient teachings with present-day realities, allows 
the reader to tackle social media addiction from a much 
higher consciousness-and-resistance viewpoint.
Rise of Social Media Addiction & Its Impact on Mental 
Health:
In reality, we cannot deny that our smartphones have 
become an integral part of our lives, so it is no surprise that 
social media addiction is growing at an even higher rate. 
Endless scrolling and constant notifications from digital 
platforms make it easy for anyone to fall into a never-ending 
rabbit hole of distraction. All of this can take a serious toll on 
a person’s mental health and well-being.
Tenets of Yogic Philosophy to Combat Social Media 
Addiction:
Against this background; yogic philosophy, best known for 
propounding the transformative habits of mindfulness and self-
awareness, fights addiction to social media. These practices help 
a person easily understand and acknowledge one’s thoughts and 
impulses allowing them to observe their cravings for online 
engagement without judgment, and thereby developing a sense 
of control over their behaviour.
1.Vairagya – This philosophical principle encourages individuals 
to stop measuring their self-worth with external validation in the 
digital world, such as likes and comments on social media. It is 
crucial to acknowledge that real gratification originates from 
within, not from external sources, and it helps diminish one’s 
dependence on social media for affirmation. Embracing this 
detachment helps create a more balanced lifestyle, aiding 
individuals to focus on real-life and personal growth rather than 
being consumed by the virtual world.
1.Ahimsa – The Yogic principle of non-violence pertains not only to 
physical actions but also to thoughts and behavior. Practising 
Ahimsa promotes kindness to oneself and others, thereby 
oppressing negatives that might be aggravated by social media. 
Kindness shrinks the chances of brutal comparisons and negative 
self-talk, which are highly supported by the online losing 
environment.
2.Santosha – Also known as contentment, this practice helps 
reduce the subconscious need for external engagement and thus 
enriches our real-life experiences. By staying present and enjoying 
every little moment, an individual naturally begins to diminish the 
pull of social media, which promotes emotional wellness and 
general happiness.
Forming Healthy Digital Habits:
In a world where scrolling through social media has become a 
default pastime, it becomes key to foster healthy habits to counter 
the infinitely alluring digital distractions.
1.Incorporating yoga and meditation
A great way to counter this pull of social media, or at least some 
aspect of it, is by inculcating mindfulness practices in our daily 
chores, rather than getting lost in the virtual realm. These ageless 
practices help us counter the overwhelming power of the digital 
age, empowering us to create healthier relationships with 
technology.
2.Balancing Digital Engagement with Real-world Activities
Although social networks let us connect, and sometimes keep us 
entertained, it is better to balance them with real-life activities to 
nourish the mind, body, and soul. From spending simple time in 
nature or hobbies or even personal connections with loved ones, 
prioritizing these events above those on the screen goes a long 
way in curbing social media addiction and bringing joy and 
fulfillment.
1.Nurturing Offline Presence:
By fostering face-to-face interactions and deepening relationships 
beyond the confines of social media, one can develop more 
genuine and personal connections. Investing time and energy into 
real-world relationships helps cultivate a sense of belonging and 
community outside the digital world. It is also important to engage 
in offline activities that refresh and energize, in order to prevent 
addiction to social media.
2.Overcoming Distractions and FOMO:
The never-ending stream of notifications on our devices disrupts 
focus, contributing to the constant fear of missing out (FOMO). 
Counteracting such distractions requires setting up ways to 
manage notifications and establish boundaries around our digital 
lives. These can include ignoring certain needless alerts so that we 
can concentrate on meaningful interactions that restore our focus 
and allow minimal digital distractions in our everyday lives.
Integrating Yogic Principles for Sustainable Digital 
Engagement:
Simplicity and mindful consumption online involve bringing 
awareness to our digital interactions and avoiding mindless 
scrolling and excessive screen time. By discerning and moderating 
our online habits, we cultivate a more balanced and harmonious 
relationship with technology, living in alignment with our values 
and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is vital to foster a healthier balance in the digital 
age. We must embrace the timeless wisdom of yogic philosophy 
and the practice of mindfully reframing our online routines to 
reclaim control over our relationship with social media. Driven by 
self-awareness, discipline, and commitment, we can navigate the 
pitfalls of social media addiction and build a more harmonious and 
fulfilling relationship with the digital world.
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