A year and a half ago, I decided to delete my social media accounts and apps, and I have honestly not missed them one bit.
I found that my productive time for reading books, learning, and studying improved significantly.
Have you thought about deleting your social media too?
Now, I personally don’t feel the need to post anything, see what others are up to, or spend my time looking at videos and posts that didn’t add much value to my life.
Increased Productivity & Personal Freedom
During this time, I have felt FREE as I experienced many things that nobody has seen or known about, including travel, personal milestones, and beautiful or challenging moments that have made me grow.
Without the constant need to check my phone, I’ve been able to be fully present and connect with others and with myself.
Real Connections Matter
I also learned that true friends will be there for you if you reach out. We still have phones with phone numbers available for calls or texts!
We need real connections in this world
Pros and Cons of Social Media
I am not saying all social media is bad. Certain knowledge, engagement, health habits, or cooking recipes can be very practical and positive to learn on your own, just like watching something that makes you laugh or feel positive.
However, I see more harm and danger in these daily habits we are creating than positive benefits. I feel these habits are making us addicted to our phones, apps, and social contacts, needing to check our socials to release constant dopamine (the hormone that makes us feel good) in our brains.
We can all release this good-feeling hormone by doing things that truly make us feel good. For me, these are really simple things, such as spending time in nature, watching a sunset, getting some vitamin D in the sun, exercising, eating a good meal, spending time and affection with a loved one or a pet, taking a vacation, reading a good book, or engaging in my hobbies and spiritual practices.
Tip: Write down the things that make you feel good and start including them more in your day instead of frequently checking your phone.
The Illusion of Perfection
We live a different life on social media. While what we post might not be untrue, most of us will always post pictures where we look our best, showcasing great vacations, the best selfies or group photos, and the most stunning landscapes.
I realised I was doing that too by default, and I started thinking about those who are not in their best moments in life – those who struggle at home in silence, those who don’t have money, friends, or family, and those who are going through something sad or dealing with a health issue.
I then asked myself: How do they feel when they look at all those “perfect” pictures and videos that we all post?
The Psychological Impact
I honestly felt overwhelmed at times, looking at certain things or how others seemed to live their lives on social media. It seems like everyone nowadays has advice for everything and knows about everything, but we must remember to stay humble.
There is too much information out there right now, and we must remember that within us, we already have the information and intuition we need in life. Outside sources and knowledge can be tools to learn more, but we already possess our own answers.
Nobody knows absolutely everything, and we are all going through life learning and growing the best we can. Nobody is better than anyone else, and we all deserve love and respect.
I believe everything is within, and the external and material world does not create your reality or determine your happiness. Still, I think there is a psychological effect in this “virtual” world we are creating, and for me, at times, it feels superficial and empty.
For example, I consider myself in a good stage in life right now, and even though I sometimes face personal challenges or ups and downs, I have nothing to complain about on a large scale, as I feel extremely grateful for everything I am and have.
Still, I was starting to feel like I did not have enough in my life or needed more: more traveling, a better job, more experiences, more money, more material things, more friends, the “perfect” relationship. And even though these are normal aspirations to have, let’s be honest—who has all of those things at a “perfect” level in their lives?
Reality vs Perfection
If we always showed our real lives on social media, no one would have a “perfect” life. And that’s okay too. Life is full of ups and downs that help us grow, experience, and learn.
Perfection does not exist, & we are all beautiful & unique souls.
We all have amazing & beautiful things that we often take for granted. If we always want more & more & do not focus on the present & being grateful for who we are & what we really have, then we will never feel enough or happy.
Reflection
My reflection for you is this: If you find yourself agreeing with most of what I am saying, and if you wonder why you are on social media or experience any negative feelings or thoughts when you use it, ask yourself:
Is it worth it?
- Do you really need it?
- Does this add value to your life?
- Is it taking too much time from your productive time or tasks?
- Is this impacting your attention to your loved ones or the present moment?
- Do you find yourself constantly feeling the need to open those apps or take a picture to show others?
My Personal Opinion
I don’t know yet if I will go back to it, as I am currently only using LinkedIn for my business and YouTube to create guided meditations to help people start meditating.
However, I understand that if you have a business, it’s a different situation, and you might need to be on social media for marketing purposes and to support your customers.
Still, I wish things were different and that you didn’t need to be on social media to have a “successful” business or be known for your work.
I am aware that social media has created many positive opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses, and that is amazing. However, I also believe that if social media does not align with your business or you feel it is not for you, there is nothing wrong with advertising yourself in a more traditional way, leveraging other platforms, or getting clients by your reputation or word of mouth.
If people do not understand this, then it’s their problem. We all have to do what feels right for us in our hearts.
Final Thoughts
I want to trust that a lot of people in the world still believe in personal interactions and connections. By all means, social media does not have to impact you negatively if you enjoy it and you make the most of it with content and time that makes you feel good and does not affect your personal and productive time.
Tip: If you enjoy using social media & find it beneficial, but you feel you’re spending too much time on it, I would recommend setting up an app timer limit on your phone for your social media apps. All smartphones have this setting now, & it also provides insight into how much time you spend on social media each day.
Your Turn to Reflect
My reflection on this post is for you to consider and reflect on how it makes you feel and if it’s truly for you.
I feel nowadays it is challenging to not be on social media, and when you tell someone you have no social media, they find it odd.
People have asked me how do I talk to people without it! and I found this really funny.
I have also been positively surprised by how many people told me, “Oh, I admire that, I have thought about deleting my accounts before.” For me, that means that I might not be the only person in this world that feels this way.
So, like everything in life, reflect on it, write down the pros and cons for YOU, and decide what is BEST FOR YOU.
Forget about society or what others tell you.
Do what makes you feel good & more positive in your daily life!
Main – Photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash
