Living Without Social Media: A Personal Journey
We often feel pressured to maintain a presence on social media due to societal expectations, but it’s entirely possible to live happily without it. I’ve been social media-free for nearly a decade, and this experience has been remarkably positive. Allow me to share my journey with you.
Why I Said Goodbye to Social Media
Even ten years ago, we had already begun to understand the detrimental effects of social media on our mental health and society. I learned this lesson firsthand.
The Pitfalls of Comparison
There were times when I could be enjoying a perfectly lovely morning, only for a quick scroll through Facebook to ruin it. I’d see someone else’s exciting weekend adventure and suddenly, my peaceful moment of reading felt lackluster in comparison.
The reality is, I adore reading and define a fulfilling life around it. Yet, seeing others out having fun made me question the joy I derived from my hobbies.
Even when I was out with friends exploring a new city, I couldn’t shake that feeling of envy when I’d check social media and see someone vacationing in a more exotic locale. It’s a game with no winners.
The Toll of Internet Negativity
As a web writer, I had a professional reason to be active on social platforms. I got a job through a Twitter connection, but promoting myself online often felt overwhelming. I would spend far too long crafting the perfect tweet, frightened of potential backlash from anyone in the world who could respond with negativity.
Additionally, I grew weary of engaging in fruitless arguments with people from my past—high school acquaintances I wouldn’t have kept in touch with otherwise. These debates could derail my entire week, especially when they involved sensitive topics like politics. The sting from criticism is magnified when it comes from a former friend rather than just a random stranger.
Finding Peace of Mind
The positive impact of quitting social media became immediately evident. Without the stress of Twitter in my life, I redirected my energy toward my writing instead of self-promotion.
This shift has vastly improved my productivity. In my role, I’m not responsible for marketing my articles. I focus on creating content worth sharing, which many of my peers have also found beneficial in terms of productivity since ditching social media apps.
Losing touch with my high school classmates hasn’t bothered me. For many of them, our paths diverged as we matured, and forgetting certain ties allows me space for growth.
The difficulty of family dynamics often arises from comparing our present selves with the younger versions captured in photo albums. Conversely, friendships are enriching because they affirm our current selves.
I now experience less envy. When I tend to my garden, I’m not bombarded with images of someone else’s more beautiful one. When I purchase a car, I don’t see posts showcasing peers with the model I would’ve liked. I can appreciate my wardrobe without the distraction of influencers showcasing their wardrobes.
Staying Informed Without Social Media
The fear of missing out often keeps people glued to their screens. It’s true that by deleting my accounts, I miss some things. However, I’ve realized that focusing on social media often means overlooking alternatives to stay informed.
While scrolling through feeds might seem convenient, it detracts from engaging with quality content like reputable magazines, attending local events, or even connecting with neighbors. This habit can blur the lines between collective consciousness and the actual state of the world around us.
Instead of relying on social media for news, I subscribe to newsletters and immerse myself in the vibrant podcasting world. Through podcasts, I stay updated without the chaos and negativity often found on social media platforms.
A Fulfilling Social Life
Interestingly, my social life is now healthier than ever. I maintain regular game nights with friends, go hiking, and even kayak together. I engage in mindfulness with meditation groups, logging untold hours of reflection and connection. I practiced karate for years, finding camaraderie within a supportive community.
None of these connections arose from social media, but rather from existing friendships or exploring hobbies that speak to my interests.
As a parent, husband, and son, I cherish the relationships with my immediate family without the distractions of online scrutiny. I take great joy in my day-to-day life and the genuine connections I cultivate without concern for follower counts or likes.
Career Continuity
You’re reading my work right now, so it’s evident that I’ve managed to continue my writing career despite giving up my social media presence. While social platforms can enhance job visibility, the value of producing quality work and nurturing real connections far outweighs the benefits of social media.
Overall, social media platforms serve as tools to share creative endeavors, especially for those in fields like art and influence. However, it’s crucial to assess the impact of these platforms on mental health. If the stress of social media undermines your creativity or overall well-being, it might be worth stepping back and reevaluating how you engage with these platforms.
Significant changes have their pros and cons. While social media offers bright spots, many of us have recognized the negative impacts on our childhoods, families, and communities and found that the advantages simply don’t outweigh the costs. Social media interactions aren’t essential for fulfilling relationships, and even if you’re not ready to completely disengage, minimizing your presence can still yield significant benefits.
