Gen Z Ditches Social Media for #MonkMode Trend
By Movieguide® Contributor
Young people are taking breaks from social media following a new trend called “Monk Mode.”
“The productivity trend [is] inspired by — you guessed it — monks and the secluded, reflective lives they lead,” the Hustle reported.
The trend started in early 2023 and is resurging in popularity. It suggests that users not only ditch social media but also spend more time in solitude.
“Despite the potential for withdrawals — read: FOMO, or fear of missing out — some users are quitting social media cold turkey, with a wave of anti-app Zoomers spurring a larger movement to unplug, despite living in a device-driven age,” the New York Post reported.
Gen Z uses a handful of ways to avoid social media temptation. Movieguide® reported:
80% of smartphone users have set personal boundaries to limit technology usage.
‘These measures range from taking regular breaks from devices or screens to actually restricting app or web usage,’ Statista added.
Other practices include putting devices away when around family and friends, turning off notifications, setting phones on do not disturb, setting up screen time limits and tracking time spent on various apps.
Some of the apps Gen Z uses to avoid social media include the Freedom app, FocusMe and Cold Turkey.
The monk mode trend isn’t all about productivity. Users are also attracted to its promise of improved mental health, weight, anxiety, stress and sleep.
Despite the many benefits the social media cleanse offers, some experts say there are risks when it comes to extreme isolation.
Education expert Seren Andrews said, “From time to time we all need our own space but the Monk mode trend suggests going weeks at a time without seeing anyone. By keeping yourself isolated you will limit the ability to connect with others on a deeper level and may never have a best or close friend.”
“Being isolated for long periods may also mean that when coming out of monk mode you will still feel alone regardless of where you are and who is around,” she continued. “This can lead to negative feelings of doubt and self-worth.”
Andrews suggests that a healthy balance is needed to avoid the adverse effects of isolation.
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