In what can only be described as somewhat ironic, discussions of “monk mode” have been gaining popularity on social media platforms—notably TikTok—where users share tips on the best way to reach peak productivity.
As Forbes.com senior contributor Jack Kelly wrote about earlier this week, “Monk mode—inspired by the disciplined lifestyle of monks—refers to intense periods of uninterrupted focus to optimize productivity. It involves hyperfocusing on a single task and removing all distractions.”
Some experts suggest that instead of discussing on social media how to best embrace monk mode, it would be better to simply avoid using the platforms, which are arguably one of the biggest distractions in modern life.
“Faced with an overwhelming and ever-growing amount of information, every day, and every minute, be it by news portals, friends on social media, topics of interest and random topics that we did not know we needed to know, we are currently immersed in a sea of information,” Dr. Patricia Páez Manjarrez, professor of Organizational Development, Business Administration, and Human Resources Management in undergraduate and graduate programs at the CETYS University International Campus in Ensenada, explained.
“A few years ago, we only had one screen for a few hours of the day, we evolved to have three or more constantly on us, whether it is a tablet or phone in the palm of our hands, or our pulse with smartwatches, video games, multiple tabs opened on several devices at the same time, scrolling infinitely on different networks at the same time,” Manjarrez added.
Information Overload
As Manjarrez noted, it wasn’t too long ago when we had fewer screens to look at. But social media has also been designed to keep us engaged, as that is good for the platforms’ respective bottom lines even if it isn’t good for society as a whole.
“The information-rich world of social media is reactionary, not reflective, and emphasizes commentary and quick judgments rather than receptivity, listening, understanding, exploring and imagining,” Dr. Helen Marlo, dean of the School of Psychology at Notre Dame de Namur, added.
Social media culture is one of likes, follows, shares, and posts—and as much of this is polarizing, it can alter how we think and feel.
“It supplants critical reflection, an appreciation for nuance, and forecloses empathy which limits healthy relating and well-being,” Marlo warned. “Social media addiction can significantly alter ways of relating to others partially by limiting our ability to communicate and listen to others’ stories—especially if another’s story is longer than 2880 characters!”
Younger Users Are Being Impacted
It is now perhaps the younger users that could benefit from monk mode when it comes to school work, but also in their social lives. Today, many teens and young adults tend to primarily communicate with their peers via their devices.
“Student’s social functioning can be disrupted by social media consumption. Social media has definitely interfered with student’s ability to create healthy romantic relationships and consensual sexual relationships,” Dr. Adrienne Baldwin-White, assistant professor in the School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University, said.
She explained that she has spoken to students about their social media consumption, and even those who spend a lot of time on social media do well in class—but they’ve already taken a monk mode approach, even if they didn’t actually know of the term.
“Many of them have found that having a designated time to use social media really helps,” Baldwin-White continued.
The key may be to know when social media usage is interfering with work, studies, social interactions with others, or is just taking up much too much time.
“If the first thing you do when you wake up is look at your phone and end your day the same way; if you find yourself experiencing negative emotions while scrolling through social media and you see someone else enjoying their life, very different from what you want; if you are afraid of missing out on new information,” Manjarrez added. “Or, if you have defined goals, but you can’t achieve them, it’s time to pause your mind.”
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