System 1: Connection Circle
System 2: Iceberg
Experience:
I’ve noticed that in throughout the day, there are many points were I — without intention or realization — am checking social media on my cell phone. I’ve noted that this is a behavior I’ve wanted to change for a while. However, I’ve found it difficult to curb a behavior that I don’t realize I’m doing until I’m doing it (i.e. once I realize I’m checking Instagram, I swipe out of the app). From Saturday 9am to Monday at noon I tracked how many times I logged on to any social media apps, noting if it was intentional or unintentional. This behavior certainly decreased as time went on. I noted that on Saturday, the number of unintentional “log ons” was the highest, peaking in the hours from 6pm – 10pm with 7 “log ons.” By Monday, I only unintentionally checked social media once (in the AM). Logging the behavior inherently made me more aware of what I was doing, so the nature of this “study” decreased my social media usage all together. However, it still provided solid insights into how often I use social media (23 total unintentional log ons over 2+ days). Now having a solid understanding of how these self studies operate and change my own behavior, next time I will be sure to pick a consistent time interval to log behavior as opposed to an “on-action” basis (so sticking more with the first Measuring Me interval basis).
