Social Engagement

Short introduction to Social Engagement

Excessive Internet use can harm social relationships of every kind, from family, friends, partners even social interactions with strangers. Existing relationships could be damaged, and the formation of new ones could be undermined. At the same time nurturing social relationships and face to face interactions can work as a support system to help you get through excessive online use. 
Thus, maintaining strong social bonds could be an amazing thing to do for yourself. Designate a specific hour during the day to spend some time with your family and friends, have a meal together, talk about your issues, or play a board game. Distancing yourself from your beloved ones not only increases stress, but it also makes you more susceptible to excessive online use.

Summary of the actions

You may think that you can fight it alone, but you don’t have to. Most probably there are people around you that are willing to take on a little inconvenience to support you in this journey. Therefore, discuss about your issues and try to stay close to your loved ones. In the meantime, making new relationships can be a great way to boost your mood and confidence and distract you from online use. In the actions related to “Social Engagement” you learned to:

  • Communicate your problem with the people around you and receive constructive support.
  • Strengthen the relationships with your friends, family, and acquaintances.
  • Choose face-to-face interactions instead of online ones and improve your emotional wellbeing.
  • Broaden your social cycle with people who will support you.

Extra tips & information

Talk about your problems

Discuss with your loved ones your issues and concerns and ask them to spend more time with you. They can serve as a valuable support system, filling the time that you would be spending mindlessly browsing online. This way, you will not only be distracted from the Internet, but you will strengthen your bond with the people that are important to you.

Call a friend instead of texting

If you want to feel more connected to the people you're talking to, you should call them instead of texting. Chatting on the phone provides the bliss of unreviewable, unforwardable, unsearchable speech. Communication interactions that included voice, like a phone call or video chat, created stronger social bonds than communication through typing, like text messaging or email.

Find new ways to socialise

One of the biggest driving factors fuelling excessive Internet use is the desire to socialise and feelings of loneliness or exclusion. Especially, if you are introverted making new friends may seem scary. But you can do this offline – we promise! Find a club or organisation to get involved with and start interacting in person with people that share your interests.

Extra resources

Here you can find some extra resources that will help you be more social engaged!

References

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