Chapter 1: The Decision to Detox

Have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok while doing other activities? I certainly did. My habit of endless scrolling had become overwhelming, leaving me feeling dissatisfied. It was clear that I was caught in a cycle of not enjoying social media, yet I struggled to break free from it. It was time for a change. Thus, I embarked on a 10-day social media detox, deleting all my accounts. Here are five valuable lessons I learned from that experience.

Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash

Lesson 1: No More FOMO

I initially worried about feeling left out while off social media. With the rapid flow of new content, would I miss out on anything important? Surprisingly, I didn’t. In the first few days, I found myself reaching for my phone out of habit, only to realize there was nothing to scroll through. This reflex made me aware of just how often I picked up my phone. As the days went by, I noticed this habit lessening. The night before my detox, I had some apprehension about deleting the apps, fearing a sense of missing out. However, I adapted quickly and never felt disconnected. I made sure my close contacts knew how to reach me, resulting in more meaningful conversations than before.

Lesson 2: Gaining Back 3 Hours a Day

My phone analytics revealed I was spending three hours daily on social media. After cutting ties, it genuinely felt like I regained that time, as I hadn’t been enjoying those hours. What did I do with this extra time? The possibilities were endless! I caught up on shows I had been wanting to watch, read new books, enjoyed long walks, and even baked some treats. I was determined not to let this time slip into another time sink, like emails.

Lesson 3: Increased Enjoyment in Activities

This might seem bold, but it's true: I found greater enjoyment in every activity. By no longer splitting my focus between scrolling and other tasks, I became more present. This shift led to another surprising benefit...

Lesson 4: Enhanced Memory

I was taken aback by this revelation, but it made sense upon reflection. By avoiding constant content switching, I could remember things better. Being fully engaged in one activity at a time allowed me to enjoy each moment more deeply, thus improving my overall memory.

Lesson 5: The Joy of Cute Animals

I didn’t miss seeing mundane posts about meals or views. In fact, I realized that 90% of social media content is rather trivial. Upon reintroducing social media, I discovered the content I truly loved: adorable cats and puppies.

Photo by Daria Averina on Unsplash

In all seriousness, a lot of social media promotes unhealthy comparisons. However, I’ve never felt inferior to our furry friends. A little dose of cuteness can brighten anyone’s day.

What’s Next?

I have since reinstalled social media, but it’s no longer on my home screen. Accessing it now requires a search on my phone, which adds a layer of resistance that helps keep my scrolling habit in check. I’m now more intentional about my social media use, leading to a more enjoyable experience.

Chapter 2: Insights from Experts

In this video titled "What I learnt from a social media detox," the speaker shares personal insights and experiences during their detox journey.

Another insightful video, "What I've learnt from a Social Media Detox | Punsikorn Tiyakorn | TEDxPunnawithi," offers valuable perspectives on the impact of social media on our lives.