Leave Social Media Behind

It’s been quite a while since I have used social media. It’s been long enough that I can’t remember when I stopped using it. I can tell you with certainty that you will survive without it, and you will enjoy a few other benefits that I will talk about.

First, let’s define what I mean by “social media”. Social media, in the context of this article, is Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, even LinkedIn. Now I have to admit, that I do still have a LinkedIn account. But for what it is worth, I have largely abandoned using it in any meaningful way. In fact, I kind of need to have it because of the nature of my work as a software engineer/glorified programmer. Maybe that’s a lie I tell myself. Maybe not.

Notice that this definition does not include chat applications like Discord, Telegram, Signal, or Whatsapp. I think these should be avoided if possible, particularly Discord. However, I can’t deny their utility in coordinating groups and the like. For example, I have a family member in the UK, it is expensive for her to call or text. In my case I use Signal, and because of that she is able to stay in touch with us for free not even touching on some of the claimed privacy benefits of the application. In addition to that, any of the features you might want to use on social effectively exist in a much more simplified form. I’m referring to sending images, video, twitter posts, etc.

Now that we have the definition set. Let’s talk about why you should cut social media.

#1: It’s fake.

Social media is a really effective tool for people to lie to you about how cool their life is. I’m willing to admit this is a pretty cynical take. Fair enough. Still, while I can’t speak for anyone else, I don’t enjoy being lied too. It’s lame that people do this or feel the need to do it. I’m sure some gigabrain “well, actually..” guy could explain why this is normal behavior. I don’t care. Being in an environment like that isn’t healthy. Like, would you enjoy being part of a group that does this in real life!? I wouldn’t.

Additionally because they are such effective tools for lying, they are often plagued with scams or worse. I know these companies have teams of people geared towards fighting them. They tell you they are commited to protecting you and your data, yet they can’t actually deliver on this promise. There is a much more effective way to protect yourself from these things: Delete your account immediately. By doing this you have cut off these routes of attack, for lack of a better word.

#2: More “Free” Time.

You will be surprised at how much time you have when you don’t waste it on social media. In fact, one of the reasons I think social media is so pernicious is that often you don’t feel like you are wasting time at all. A doom scroll here, a doom scroll there each for two minutes each, 40 times a day. That’s almost a hour and a half a day. That’s assuming you’re a normal user. Now, I’m not really here to police what you do with your time. Still. A hour and a half is a long time. What could you do with that?

I can tell you what I have done. I spend more time with my family and friends. I have more time for hobbies, keeping my home clean and organized, exercise, being outside. In fairness, those changes didn’t happen immediately because there is a period of adjustment. You will literally go through what I can only describe as a light form of withdrawal. Mainly because a lot of these other activities don’t have the same punch when it comes to dopamine, as I understand it.

#3. You’ll Be Happier.

This one is almost as a consequence of the other two. When you are not exposed to fake crap all day, or the constant doom and gloom of a civilization in decay. Added to the fact that you have more time to do what makes you happy. You can build friendships, you can make cool stuff as part of a new hobby or something. You almost have no choice but to be, in general, a more content human being.

It is worth it. I can’t promise you it will be immediate. You might have to confront some stuff, whatever those things are, before you get there. But you will get there. You just have to learn to be bored, which social media keeps you from being. You’re brain can’t stand being bored, so if you can “suffer” through it in the beginning, new doors will be opened to you.