A Better Life With No Social Media

Way back in 2014, I deleted all of my social media accounts. I deleted my Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram accounts, removed the apps from my phone, and never looked back. The changes I saw in my life were just mind-boggling because I never even saw the changes happening. It was probably one of the best changes I ever made in my life.

Now let me start by saying that I got my 1st iPhone in 2013 (I was 18 at the time) which was when I got Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram. I made my Facebook account in 2011, but quite honestly I didn’t use it that much. When I got my iPhone, I used it a bit more, but not much more. I didn’t even remember I had a Twitter account until I opened the app to delete it. Snapchat and Instagram were the main apps on my social media as well as text.

Of course, I was not as bad as a lot of other people with what I would call my social media addiction, but the change was still really hard for me. I quit cold turkey in 2014 and switched to an old-school flip phone. Here’s what I found changed:

Anxiety

If you had asked me while I had my iPhone if I had anxiety, I would have told you heck no. But that is not true, I just didn’t realize it at the time. If I forgot my phone at home, I would have turned the car around and gone home to get it, more worried about not having my phone than being late to work or class. If the phone chirped or buzzed, I needed to check it right away regardless of what I was doing. It didn’t matter what I was doing, my phone was with me.

I look back now and call myself crazy for doing that, but it was starting to become more common then, and even more so now. People use it while walking down the street, sitting in the waiting room, or even at work. It’s basically an essential part of everyday life for so many people that a lot of people don’t see the effects it had on their life.

Socialization

Apparently, using social media made me less social. Sure, I could text, comment, and like posts, but a face to face communication was difficult. I was awkward and didn’t know what to say. I had the urge to pick up my phone to avoid communicating. It honestly took a little while for me to learn to communicate again when I finally got rid of my iPhone.

Now, I would rather call someone than text them because it is just easier and faster. My fiance and I can sit down and talk for 3 hours without interruptions by phones or running out of things to say. It is one of the ways we keep our relationship strong and healthy.

Living Life

It seemed like I would do things to be able to post about it. Maybe order a seasonal flavor coffee to post in the fall rather than my usual coffee. I was more concerned about taking a good picture to post than really enjoying myself. I was living my life through my social media-colored lenses. Everybody looked so perfect on Instagram and I tried so hard to do things to make a good post like them. It seems so stupid in hindsight, but that’s why they say hindsight is 20-20.

Now I live my life with my eyes open, not worried about post or what other people are doing. I’m too busy enjoying the experiences that I want, and making memories that I can enjoy and remember for the rest of my life.

Thinking for Myself

I stopped consider what others would think when I did anything after I got rid of my phone. If I was picking out a shirt, I started picking what I liked, not what I thought was trending or popular on Instagram. Before I had my phone, I was definitely an outcast. I didn’t wear what other girls my age did or buy designer clothing to fit in. But I was content with my own style and opinions.

I started to care what others thought of me because of what strangers would comment on my post. Not everyone was rude, but those comments just stood out and ate at me. I changed myself for internet trolls who I didn’t know. Before social media, I didn’t care what the bullies or mean girls thought of me. It would just roll off my shoulders like water. It took some time to build my skin back up, but I built it stronger, thicker, and more resistant than before.

Happiness

I was overall happier when I got rid of my social media. I spent more time outdoors, hiking, fishing, camping. I took up new hobbies like learning how to knit and doing puzzles. I started to read books instead of scroll through Instagram. My brain and body were more active and my mental health was a priority. And I was the happiest I had been in a really long time.

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At age 28, I do have a smartphone again, but it is a 3-year-old LG model that has a data plan with 1GB. I mostly use it for GPS, checking my email once in a while, and reading books when I don’t get a chance to get to the library. I still don’t have any social media other than Pinterest which I use mostly to add post from the blog or get inspiration. I don’t spend hours scrolling through posts made by strangers.

Everybody is different with how they use their phones and social media, but taking time off can help to give your mind and body a much needed break. So take a mental health week, month, or year to focus on yourself away from your phone.