I waste all my time on things that are useless, like social networks online. I think it really is an addiction. I know I should focus more on the Scriptures, but no matter how hard I try to free myself of my addiction, I can’t do it. I feel so distant from my Savior. In recent days, I’ve been depressed. I feel like this depression is result of using my time unwisely. I feel like I really need someone to remind me what to do. What should I do? How can I feel closer to God?
2 Responses to “I waste on my time on social networks”
Samuel Delgado
2013-03-03 23:30:59
Hi friend. I'm happy you posted your question. You're wise to recognize that excessive Internet use can be an addiction. It may not be a sinful addiction like pornography or drug addiction, but God does expect us to use our time wisely, and freeing ourselves from any kind of addiction can certainly improve our quality of life.
Perhaps you could talk with your friends and family about this challenge. Ask them to help you spend less time online. Perhaps you can keep your computer in a public place so they can see how long you've been using it and can encourage you to take a break when appropriate.
You might also consider using the time you do spend online more wisely. You can answer Mormon questions on this very website, for example. In my experience, it's also very fulfilling to blog about our Mormon faith in Jesus Christ.
I hope this answer helps you. Best of luck as you seek to better manage your time.
Pamela Bonta
2013-04-21 08:57:50
I don't know you or your circumstances. But it sounds to me like you are lonely. One of the saddest things about our modern world is the disconnect that people have from other people. Texting, email, facebook... All are good tools for keeping in touch with people, but when the printed word takes the place of face-to-face contact it can lead to loneliness, depression, and a loss of self-worth.
May I ask you some questions? Do you attend all of your church meetings? Do you participate in social events at your church? Do you serve others? Do you have family nearby?
I have been in similar circumstances to you. In order to break the cycle of loneliness that I was in, I started going to every church event that I could, I volunteered twice a week at the Bishop's Storehouse, I made a point of using some of my time online to keep in touch with cousins and other relatives who lived far away from me, I joined a social group of people with like interests, and I started spending more time with my family. I also set times of when I was going to be online - my limit for social media, for example, was twice a day - and I kept track of how much time I was spending my days.
I hope some of these suggestions will help you. God bless.
Perhaps you could talk with your friends and family about this challenge. Ask them to help you spend less time online. Perhaps you can keep your computer in a public place so they can see how long you've been using it and can encourage you to take a break when appropriate.
You might also consider using the time you do spend online more wisely. You can answer Mormon questions on this very website, for example. In my experience, it's also very fulfilling to blog about our Mormon faith in Jesus Christ.
I hope this answer helps you. Best of luck as you seek to better manage your time.
May I ask you some questions? Do you attend all of your church meetings? Do you participate in social events at your church? Do you serve others? Do you have family nearby?
I have been in similar circumstances to you. In order to break the cycle of loneliness that I was in, I started going to every church event that I could, I volunteered twice a week at the Bishop's Storehouse, I made a point of using some of my time online to keep in touch with cousins and other relatives who lived far away from me, I joined a social group of people with like interests, and I started spending more time with my family. I also set times of when I was going to be online - my limit for social media, for example, was twice a day - and I kept track of how much time I was spending my days.
I hope some of these suggestions will help you. God bless.