The rise of social media is one of the most controversial things of the 21st century, along with the internet. What was initially meant to connect people around the world has now become something else. In fact, today, social media is entirely the opposite of what it was meant to be! And many people are seeing this reality each day. That’s why many individuals are leaving it for their mental health. So, let’s see what makes it a liability for a normal person and why quitting social media can be an excellent decision for your life.
Quitting Social Media and Where to Start?
Quitting social media platforms can be challenging, especially for those who grew up with it. A few years ago, many wouldn’t even have anticipated that this day could come in their lives. But where does social media go wrong, and why is it such a big mess for individuals? For starters, the concept of social media is an oxymoron—the community can not exist online. And even if you disagree with this statement, it does not make a difference since you can’t physically meet people. So, if you’re planning to quit, you need to have an alternative, as your cravings for cheap dopamine will only increase over long time streaks.
Social Media is a Cheap Dopamine Source
The feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine is released whenever the body experiences pleasure. Social media is the pathway to joy; however, it is not organic in the sense of being rewarding. In a way, it is a cheap thrill that mimics the activity of drugs for the body. So, it’s not the best thing to use it all the time. One more thing: social media wastes your time that you could use to do better things in life.
The Reality of All Social Media Platforms (Creating Fear of Missing Out)
The primary focus of social media is to let you create the perfect picture, story or life. However, in reality, you have an idea about the falseness of perfecting the picture. The same goes for everyone online on these platforms, who try to overcome their insecurities with different editing tools. Thus, when you see others living what you consider the so-called perfect life, you become anxious about your own life. This gives birth to posts and stories that you create or seek so that you don’t miss out on anything. However, in reality, there is nothing that you’re missing; it’s only the perception of a perfect life that you get from the filters of other users.
Don’t Think of the Benefits of Quitting Social Media Addiction
The benefits of leaving social media come after. You can curate a list before experiencing a life without it. Over the years, our brains have become addicted to online applications and platforms. So, at first it seems weird, but over time the brain becomes much relaxed regarding the choice. However, you do need something that can replace your old habit of scrolling. This could be an additional habit, like reading, listening to music, or something else (it’s up to what excites you most, aside from social media).
What Can You Gain?
A life without social media is a remote land or mountain that does not seem peaceful but actually is. Seeing all the unnecessary stories, slop, and useless stuff is not healthy, especially when you’re doing it every day. You should only access the things that matter for your life, and honestly, social media does not even make the list. However, all these feelings of peace and serenity come after you take the initiative of quitting social media. So, do that first!
The Difference That You’ll Notice Within Days
The only difference you can notice after quitting social media is how much you crave it. There’ll come instances when you have no idea what to do during the day. It’s because of the fact that people are addicted to their smartphones, and when you don’t use them for social media, you have so much time. Furthermore, this craving will likely persist for a month before eventually dying out; you need patience and perseverance.
The Exceptions Against Quitting Social Media
At this point, there are many negative implications of social media. But there is even a redeeming quality about it. For thousands of businesses and individuals, social media has become a primary source of promotion and income. For such ventures, it’s impossible to quit platforms. Also, some platforms help people get jobs, so all is not lost for social media. Still, you don’t need to be there if it doesn’t make your life better. So, make your choice and if you see potential to earn or promote your business through social media, enjoy your growth!
Final Thoughts for Quitting Social Media
For a vast number of individuals, social media is nothing but a place of insecurity, anxiety and other mental problems. It doesn’t help you in the long run, and quitting it will only add value to your life. However, suppose you see potential in using social media. In that case, there are endless applications, but if you really want to live happily, quitting social media is never a bad decision.
“It’s always easy to make accounts, then delete one!”