Who here has quit social media?

[gryfny]

I quit facebook and instagram a few years ago. I miss some events, especially in the beginning. But it feels good not wasting time on there. I still use whatsapp though, and spend way to much time on there. Using Freedom to block whatsapp does work for me, a little bit.

 

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[Nicoknowsbest]

I have been tracking myself a lot this year I can spot a clear trend... the more time I spend during the day on social media = the worse I feel.

I get lazy, distracted, and sometimes slightly depressed. And I am very much a positive, focused person.

I shouldn't be surprised cause I know a lot of you have been talking about the dangers of social media for years.

At this stage, I am thinking about quitting Instagram and Facebook forever.
I can make a new Fb account just to run my students group and shut down everything else.

Do those people with some long term experience (quit social media for over one year etc) want to chime in?

What has been your experience?

I can confirm your findings 100%. I feel that it basically takes me away from my actual core as a human being. Although it was hard to admit, I realised I was buying things I wouldn't normally buy. I was thinking things I wouldn't normally think. I was striving for things that were not me.

It's been a few months that I quit Instagram. It's been a few days I blocked Facebook. I haven't deleted either one, simply blocked myself from using it. I feel that I am returning to myself again. Sounds maybe a bit too esoteric, but this is how I feel.

I even took it a bit further and looked at every single thing in my life. TV, books, YouTube videos, my smartphone, etc. It basically comes down to dopamine and how our brains are artificially influenced to go look for dopamine every couple of minutes.

Here are a few videos that helped me understand this better:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hMPi4IFUmk

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lyEyr0e_Ac

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLLTFy7LtRc

 

[Deleted78083]

Awesome! Sound great! Would like to read more on that.

I am looking on my "addictions" these days too, thanks to @ChrisV s very interesting thread about Dopamine.

What I find myself to use is

• FastFood or potatoe chips
• Fap/Porn
• Gaming
• Checking my phone
• Alcohol (at least I only drink it on weekends)
• other short term "quits" that let me stop doing what I "should"
• Oversleeping

I also want to share what helped me so far:

• Celebrating after doing one task and giving me some reward
• Going to the gym (+ being around people there)
• Working in the Lib or in a café instead of in HomeOffice
• Going on a hike on weekends instead of drinking with friends
• Reading (altough I often won't read because other options seem more attractive. Like Gaming or checking the phone)
• Sleeping

I guess that also goes for Social Media (addiction) and quitting it. You need to replace the stuff and start new ways to get your dopamine kicks.

I found what worked best for me was to read the effects that all that had on my health. You only have one body and it's important to take care of it, that's legit where "you spend the most time" lol.

I can only encourage you not only to read about the positive effects of a healthy life style (4 components: sleep, food, exercise and social life), but to also read about the negative effects of an unhealthy lifestyle. Alcohol, for example, kills the bacteria in your intestine while sugar acts on your body like rust on iron. Did you know we had neurons in our stomach? Do you know how digestion works? It's basically your body decomposing nutrients to reassemble them somewhere else later. If you feed your body craps, you'll literally become crap. People look like what they eat.

A lot has to do as well with how much you "like" yourself. People that smoke, drink and do drugs usually hate themselves, there is no other way to put it, they're making their own lives miserable. If you start seeing yourself as your best friend, how would you react? What would you say if your friend told you "I want to build a company" then end up on the couch playing video games? I could go on and on and on, but you got the gist I think

 

[sonny_1080]

I have been tracking myself a lot this year I can spot a clear trend... the more time I spend during the day on social media = the worse I feel.

I get lazy, distracted, and sometimes slightly depressed. And I am very much a positive, focused person.

I shouldn't be surprised cause I know a lot of you have been talking about the dangers of social media for years.

At this stage, I am thinking about quitting Instagram and Facebook forever.
I can make a new Fb account just to run my students group and shut down everything else.

Do those people with some long term experience (quit social media for over one year etc) want to chime in?

What has been your experience?

I have never had a Facebook. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made. I had an Instagram for the better part of 2016-2017 but I deleted that too because I started to feel exactly the way you described. I have a LinkedIn profile for networking purposes, but I never sit and scroll through my feed like I see people do with Facebook and Instagram.

I'll never forget the straight up depression that manifested itself from a 10 minute scroll through Instagram. That shit had to go. I'm scared of Facebook. Probably because I lack the discipline to moderate my usage of anything distracting.

It reminds me of smoking cigarettes. A 10-15 minute smoke break x 20 times a day = almost 3 1/2 hours lost... a very expensive habit. Same thing with social media. A 10-15 minute scroll through FB or Insta 20 times a day yields the same result.

Regardless, social media takes me away from the business at hand and lulls me completely asleep to any productivity. Not to mention how Instagram drained me of my energy when I was finished using it.

Anyway, yeah @Fox I relate.

 

[MattR82]

I can confirm your findings 100%. I feel that it basically takes me away from my actual core as a human being. Although it was hard to admit, I realised I was buying things I wouldn't normally buy. I was thinking things I wouldn't normally think. I was striving for things that were not me.

It's been a few months that I quit Instagram. It's been a few days I blocked Facebook. I haven't deleted either one, simply blocked myself from using it. I feel that I am returning to myself again. Sounds maybe a bit too esoteric, but this is how I feel.

I even took it a bit further and looked at every single thing in my life. TV, books, YouTube videos, my smartphone, etc. It basically comes down to dopamine and how our brains are artificially influenced to go look for dopamine every couple of minutes.

Here are a few videos that helped me understand this better:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hMPi4IFUmk

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lyEyr0e_Ac

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLLTFy7LtRc

That's funny, I just came across his videos last night and found the dopamine one's pretty good.

I've changed my tune a lot about social media in the last month. Trying to get further and further away for some period, maybe 6 months.

Turned my phone into more of a dumbphone, no social media or messenger apps. No apps unless they are beneficial actually.

Actually did deactivate my facebook, but kept messenger. After one day though, I'm also going to get rid of messenger. I created a new fb account so I can be in about 3 groups that I'm interested in currently, and about 5 people overseas for messaging.

 

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[Andy Black]

I found a Facebook group of people volunteering to help elderly and at risk people in my mum’s village. It’s been a godsend and great to chatter with people back home.

There’s other groups of business owners that have resulted in me chatting with folks, swapping notes, and even just now picking up a new client who’s super keen to get started.

Most of the time I don’t have Facebook or YouTube on my phone. I can install it when I want to upload videos or see how things look for consumers.

I don’t really see people being that stupid on either platform ... maybe I’m using them differently?

I agree there’s cons but they’re outweighted by the pros for me.

 

[fridge]

I only use Snapchat and very rarely Facebook.. I find the more time I spend on these apps the more depressed I get with my own life. Quarantine has made my social contact reduce 90% and the past few months have been rough because of that. I would suggest at most for personal use only having (1) social media, preferably one that allows you to stay in contact with old friends/family and re-connect with people in person.

 

[Roli]

I don't need a daily reminder of what you had for lunch.

Yeah you do. Yesterday I had a roast chicken in a sweet tomato and chorizzo sauce, and yes, it was indeed yummy.

 

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[Mattie]

I cannot say I've quit social media because with the lockdown, it's the only way I can stay connected with friends. However, I make it a point to only log in during weekends and that too, only to converse with people without browsing feeds and watching stories. I've been SO much happier and healthier mentally! Social media isn't for everyone.

I have pretty much limited my views of social media. It seems to be getting more chaotic and filled with confusion so even though I can weed through it, I just choose not too, because it can be exhausting doing the research and backing up what people "Claim" is valid information.

I believe last year, I was listening to some financial individuals on YT, and was just watching them drag along their followers and it seemed like crap to me.

I would say it is healthier right now just to limit viewing or being blatant about what your focused on.

 

[inabox1]

I use Facebook messenger during the day to stay in contact with friends.

I've pretty much ditched Snapchat / Instagram, as going through other people's highlight reel while you're at home working on your biz does nothing productive for your mental health or drive.

I use YouTube daily for relevant content, and I'm careful about not going deep into the rabbit hole by restricting the number of videos I watch to 1-2 per session.

I still use Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for business branding and content, but apart from that, I've found that social media takes more away from my life than it gives. Things like my optimism, drive and work ethic decrease whenever I use them for too long.

 

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[sWALK90]

ig for 2 months, still check fb for fam

 

[SeanLewis]

I only follow people i actually know.

 

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[James90]

It's not making me feel bad and I'm not addicted, so I don't have a problem with it.

Maybe you should rather question why it's making you feel bad. Maybe just deleting it will lead to some other behavior.

Agree.

I believe there are different sides to social media and the perspective YOU choose to perceive it as.

Ex. Instagram.
People posting themselves driving an exotic car.

That could trigger multiple emotions across different groups...

Some may feel jealous... inspired...curious....resentment...

I suppose it depends on how you utilize it for your own good....whether it be superficial or genuine reasons.

 

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[Kid]

I have not started using it

 

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[MattR82]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dibarTMBCag

Yeah. Even though I have changed my social media habits to something more positive, phone addiction and browsing is still a big problem.

 

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[Katherine]

FOMO - Fear of missing out

In Jan, I've decided I will limit to weekends for social media catchup. I am mostly active with FB and Instagram. So I took the step to not go on FB and IG and will only go FB for your inner group and other work-related group. After 1 month of tracking, I find myself doing so much more and removing a big chunk of distractions out of my way. This is a huge plus and I will continue this way

On weekends, I realise I may not have missed out much. Even if I did, that's ok! I find myself happier and more focused on real things. It wasn't as bad as I think if you asked me. No more mindless scrolling and getting myself tired !

 

[MattR82]

This is definitely making me rethink things...

So hard as social media is a huge part of my work and I can't just switch to a flip phone. But I've definitely failed at keeping it to just work.

 

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[FeaRxUnLeAsHeD]

I'm only on Facebook and Linkedin - and I have a chrome extension called newsfeed eradicator so I don't see anything in my feed.

I use them to stay connected to people and keep things up to date, including an occasional post, rather than endless scrolling and wondering what everyone else is doing

 

[Tipoki13]

I quit all social media in summer of 2018.

I simply got sick of it all - the superficiality, pretentiousness etc. (mainly talking about IG here). Instagram is essentially a facade, and a competition to see who can fake their lives the best.

It's definitely been better without it - less time scrolling and a better mental health too (although I'm generally positive anyway, but social has a subconscious affect on our mental health). I think we humans have a natural tendency to compare ourselves to others and social media just amplifies and exacerbates that tendency to new levels.

The main downside of quitting social media has been dating. This may not be relevant to people in relationships, but as a 24-year-old single male, it's pretty important. In my experience, girls simply think you're weird or that you're hiding something if you're not on social media - it's a major red flag for a girl. At the very least, they can't simply fathom why someone wouldn't use social media and they begin to jump to conclusions - is he a loser who has no following? It's all the more strange when I am very comfortable and capable in real life social interactions. But that doesn't seem to matter to them, in their head its, no social media = loser/weirdo. Again this is my experience.

I've thought about re-starting IG, but decided against it for all the negative reasons stated above and the pure waste of time in building back up my following, so I just carry on . . .

 

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[BellaPippin]

I wish there was something that weren't so... overwhelming and difficult to follow, spammy, drama-encouraging, highlight-reel shallow, blah blah... Most I'll tolerate now is Instagram and that's only because I have it for my art progress, so as I only follow a few artists' accounts, my feed is nearly empty.

Honestly idk what I wish for. MySpace Electric Boogaloo?

Information is Beautiful

Distilling the world's data, information & knowledge into beautiful infographics & visualizations

informationisbeautiful.net

 

[David Fitz]

I would love to but I need fb ads and insta for my store.

On Facebook I unfollowed everyone and removed myself from groups I have no interest in.

On Instagram I follow very few friends and only follow accounts like Andy Frisella.

I don't have Snapchat.

My main killer is YouTube where sometimes I can spend hours watching stuff.

I don't have cable TV. 1 hour of TV a week and I try read instead.

 

[David Fitz]

I would love to but I need fb ads and insta for my store.

On Facebook I unfollowed everyone and removed myself from groups I have no interest in.

On Instagram I follow very few friends and only follow accounts like Andy Frisella.

I don't have Snapchat.

My main killer is YouTube where sometimes I can spend hours watching stuff.

I don't have cable TV. 1 hour of TV a week and I try read instead.

I was also on twitter but removed myself. That platform is absolutely toxic.

 

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[Swift]

I would love to but I need fb ads and insta for my store.

On Facebook I unfollowed everyone and removed myself from groups I have no interest in.

On Instagram I follow very few friends and only follow accounts like Andy Frisella.

I don't have Snapchat.

My main killer is YouTube where sometimes I can spend hours watching stuff.

I don't have cable TV. 1 hour of TV a week and I try read instead.

Get freedom.to to block out social media and other distracting sites while you're working.

 

[Ludachris]

I am an unwilling participant in social media ... I'm only there because my readers are.

Otherwise I wish I could join the rest of ya and dump it entirely.

Unfortunately as entrepreneurs, it is a necessary part of business. You have to go where your audience is, otherwise opportunities are lost and you're not maximizing your reach.

Same here. That's the only reason I really use it, and the occasional checking in with a friend or family member every few months/years. Unfortunately, it's required for some business projects.

 

[Tiago]

I am an unwilling participant in social media ... I'm only there because my readers are.

Otherwise I wish I could join the rest of ya and dump it entirely.

Unfortunately as entrepreneurs, it is a necessary part of business. You have to go where your audience is, otherwise opportunities are lost and you're not maximizing your reach.

My main reason as to why not quit social media.

But is it true though? Is it a necessary part of business?

Maybe it's a necessary part of the business system one might've built for themselves, where they create clients and engage with them on social media. But I see two options here:

1. Being off social media might give you a competitive advantage as @PureA pointed out because you're not so distracted. With this you can generate more money, which in turn you can hire someone to do the social media for you.

2. What if you decided to change your business system to one that does not rely in social media? There are innumerous businesses that are very large and profitable that have zero social media presence.

 

[Kay__]

I have been tracking myself a lot this year I can spot a clear trend... the more time I spend during the day on social media = the worse I feel.

I get lazy, distracted, and sometimes slightly depressed. And I am very much a positive, focused person.

I shouldn't be surprised cause I know a lot of you have been talking about the dangers of social media for years.

At this stage, I am thinking about quitting Instagram and Facebook forever.
I can make a new Fb account just to run my students group and shut down everything else.

Do those people with some long term experience (quit social media for over one year etc) want to chime in?

What has been your experience?

Yup. Waste of time. Use it only for work

 

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[ShepardHumphries]

I have been tracking myself a lot this year I can spot a clear trend... the more time I spend during the day on social media = the worse I feel.

I get lazy, distracted, and sometimes slightly depressed. And I am very much a positive, focused person.

I shouldn't be surprised cause I know a lot of you have been talking about the dangers of social media for years.

At this stage, I am thinking about quitting Instagram and Facebook forever.
I can make a new Fb account just to run my students group and shut down everything else.

Do those people with some long term experience (quit social media for over one year etc) want to chime in?

What has been your experience?

I make the excuse to myself that I keep it for business, but really I still fall for it for the same psychological reasons it was built. I have all of my "not-on-board and lower IQ "friends" listed as acquaintances, so when I post anything thought-provoking, I set privacy to friends except acquaintances. Next time I forget and post my controversial thought on the "public" setting and I am sure that my businesses suffer. lol

 

[klaipeda]

Social media needs balance and knowledge.

Personally I use social media only to get something back. I use facebook for connection, I installed a plugin on chrome that removes every ads and help me to unfollow every pages and friends. I don't get anything on my news feed, I just jump on the groups I want to follow and that give me something back. In other words I use facebook and I don't let it to use me.

I don't like instagram, I really don't feel the need to use it unless I get something back. Same for twitter.

 

[George Costanza]

I think it really depends on HOW you use social media.
I barely use facebook besides useful groups, and I don't follow many people on instagram (and I mute a lot of people/stories).

In my opinion reading the news is much worse than using social media (and according to research, social media can have a positive/neutral effect if done for: keeping in touch with friends/family and in addition to real life connections)
see Digital Communication Media Use and Psychological Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis and Why You Should Quit the News | Mark Manson

 

[falcon87pl]

I check LinkedIn a few times per week on desktop, Facebook mobile app has all notifications turned off (and I do not follow most of the people )and I disabled Messenger notifications on the locked screen.

I believe disabling all/most of the sounds and notifications on the locked screen is the key to the success not to get distracted too much.

I mainly use Messenger to communicate with my wife and one of the fastlane-mindset friends but used to have a small group with 2 colleagues from work. In November 2019 I let them know I will be leaving the group as I wanted to decrease the use of social media even more. I asked them to call or SMS me for some high priority/ critical stuff....

They have NEVER contacted me via those channels since that time.

Well, it seems that work-related and funny stuff is not that important they can't wait till the next day ..