Why I Quit Social Media
Hotel Grano de Oro, San Jose, Costa Rica
After much contemplating over the past few months, I have decided to quit my personal social media. This decision was not made lightly, and I want to take a moment to reflect on why I made this choice.
Social media has become a central part of our lives, allowing us to connect with friends, share our thoughts, and stay updated on the latest news. However, I started to realize that the time I spent scrolling through endless feeds was causing me to consume mass amounts of information at a too rapid pace. Consuming joyful topics, sad topics, angry or conflicting topics, and none of which was serving me in a positive way.
My time spent on social media was taking away from the meaningful activities in my life. I was missing out on genuine connections with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, and simply being present in the moment. It became apparent that social media was becoming a distraction, preventing me from fully experiencing life.
Quitting social media is not forever. My goal at the moment is one year because I think in today’s world forever would be near impossible. However I am taking time to regain my control over it so I can ensure it does not control me. Rediscovering the joy of reading books, honing my writing skills, and pursuing my passions without the constant need for external validation. All of this is done with the intention of improving my quality of life, taking care of my mental health so as to feel less anxious, be more content with myself, and live a fulfilled and authentic life.
This decision has not been without its challenges. With my job I will have to have to be involved with the business social pages, but that is far more manageable to put down when the job task is complete. Also there are moments when I feel a pang of FOMO (fear of missing out), however, I’m realizing that those moments are fleeting and insignificant compared to the peace and fulfillment I have found in disconnecting.
Social media is a valuable tool for many, and this decision may not be right for everyone. For me, quitting social media is the first step in regaining the direction of which I want my life to go. I encourage others to reflect on their own relationship with social media and consider the impact it may be having on their mental health and overall happiness. It is essential to find a balance that works for you and prioritize self-care in this digital age.
Would you consider giving up social media? What would be your motivation to do so?