Why I Decided to Walk Away from Social Media: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: The Toxicity of Social Media
Social media can be harmful, and I have no qualms about stating that. It feels liberating to voice this truth, as it has become increasingly evident to me.
A Brief Introduction
Greetings! My name is Shruthi, and I'm in my late twenties. Earlier this year, I had an impulsive urge to dive into content creation. Thus, I launched a new Instagram account without any specific focus. My goal was to create a platform where I could express my passions while keeping my private life separate from my public persona. My first post—a reel demonstrating how to whip up protein-rich pancakes—was shared with a lot of hesitation. To my astonishment, it received over 3000 views and saves!
Little did I know, this was the onset of a gradual mental decline. I found myself increasingly distracted, consumed by thoughts of how to produce my next video and optimize it for maximum reach. Day and night became a cycle of shooting, editing, and searching for ideas to create appealing content. My phone gallery filled up with countless bloopers and memory-hogging 4K footage. The rush of receiving likes became my new addiction, but I also faced devastating lows when some videos attracted fewer than a hundred views.
As time went on, I felt compelled to always have a camera in hand. I had always cherished living in the moment—taking the time to enjoy a stunning sunset. Now, however, I found myself more focused on capturing the perfect shot instead of simply appreciating the beauty around me.
Section 1.1: The Emotional Toll
What did this experience feel like for me?
It was undoubtedly one of the darkest periods of my life (at least so far in 2024). I became more irritable and lost touch with my true self. Conversations dwindled, and I found myself retreating deeper into my phone. I even engaged in petty arguments with those closest to me, regretting it almost immediately. I felt like a stranger in my own body.
Fortunately, I soon recognized that I was struggling to project an image of someone I wasn’t. I am not naturally at ease in front of a camera, nor do I enjoy being in the spotlight. I value authenticity, and I didn’t want to fake my emotions for the world to see. Moreover, I tend to be a private person, and sharing my life publicly felt inherently wrong.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Benefits of Quitting
What are the perks of stepping away from content creation?
By quitting, I started to rediscover my true self. The mood swings lessened (now I only experience them once a month!), and I no longer felt lost in my own skin. Gradually, I regained my confidence and fell back in love with living in the present. When I spotted a beautiful rainbow, I didn’t feel the urge to broadcast it. Instead, I redirected my energy into something I truly love: writing.
So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, I urge you to break free from the cycle of scrolling and social media before it takes a toll on your well-being!
Chapter 2: Realizations and Reflections
The first video titled "I QUIT SOCIAL MEDIA. here's what happened." shares insights into the author's journey of stepping back from social media and the subsequent changes they experienced.
The second video, "I quit social media for one year and it changed my life," discusses the transformative effects of a year-long break from social media and the lessons learned along the way.