
After several years of on-and-off use, I decided to revisit the idea of quitting social media. While social media does have its benefits, I became convinced over time that the addictiveness of the platform and the time spent worrying over every like, post and notification greatly outweighs any tangible benefits for the average user. For example, I used to spend hours each day on Facebook and Instagram scrolling aimlessly when I could have used that time studying or pursuing other hobbies. At one point, I was on these platforms compulsively and started feeling frustration or sadness when I didn’t get a like or when my friends didn’t react to my stories. In hindsight, it all felt very strange at how much I was losing my sanity to a seemingly harmless pastime. When such behaviors becomes a habit, it makes it harder to focus and you start feeling more irritated as a result of the addiction. Like any addiction out there, I believe social media is an addiction if you let it spiral out of control.
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is defined as “a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.” In many ways, the negative effects of social media has to do with the neurochemical imbalances it causes in our brain such as an overstimulation of dopamine from each time we get a like, comment or notification. Having learned all of this through self-study, I began applying some of this knowledge to regain sanity and control back in my life. The first thing I did to prepare myself was to turn off all notifications in the months leading up to my desired quit date. This ensured that I was not on the platforms compulsively and provided some relief whenever I had an urge to check social media. The first few weeks of doing this was very stressful and I often felt irritable for most of the time from disciplining myself. However, I realized that I became more in tune with my surroundings and began having better interactions with people in real life, something that I always struggled with growing up. As I continued this experiment, I felt more and more confident about quitting social media and experiencing life without it for the first time since elementary school.
The first apps that I deleted from my phone were Facebook and Snapchat because it was taking the bulk of my time and had the least value to add to my life. I still kept Instagram and Reddit for some time because of my hobby for photography and my curiosity for interesting content. Nonetheless, these apps still consumed too much of my time. Today I decided to delete all of these apps from my phone with the exception of LinkedIn and WhatsApp for professional networking and keeping in touch with friends and family. With that said, I am excited to begin this journey and discover something more meaningful in life. Finally, to anyone going through a similar experience, I strongly advise you to explore your options and find a solution that’s best for you.
