What really resonates with me the most in this is the idea that we need to be as mindful about all the things we consume as we know we should be about what we eat. I deleted Instagram almost 3 years ago and have never looked back. Facebook had to go during the election in 2016. I never used Twitter so that was easy. I have to use LinkedIn for work and I use Strava but only to connect with a small group of people. Life is so much better this way!
The 2.0 version of this for me is cutting out the algorithm as much as I can. So long, curated Spotify playlists. I want to find albums and artists to be obsessed with and listen to them on repeat. I want to get really into a FEW great Substack writers instead of subscribing to 50 in a day that all seem related. I’m trying to be my own curator and go discover things slowly and a little bit less conveniently.
Love your insights - thanks for sharing your experiences! I am on the same plan for subscribing to a few great creators and supporting/engaging with them as much as possible.
This is such an underrated take! Well said! I appreciate the good recommendations that an algorithm has provided me, but it often times misses the mark-and I’m also slightly annoyed with everything having an algorithm and essentially what feels like constantly shoving content in my face that hopefully matches my likes. I’ve reached low-grade exhaustion with it. Organically finding something (even if it’s “discovered slowly and less conveniently” like you described) is so much more satisfying! Much like browsing the shelves in a public library! I got bored with IG, I stopped using FB a decade ago, I like threads okay but it’s mostly a time-suck. I think I’ll definitely have to delete Twitter in 2025 because it’s such an exhausting dumpster fire. There’s no nourishment there and it stresses me out.
Thank you Cristin! Good point - the recommendations can be convenient, but annoying/overwhelming. The low grade exhaustion from it is too real. It sounds like you are finding a rhythm in selecting content that is nourishing for you. I’m happy to hear it ❤️
I cut out social media starting December and I think the next thing I’ll be deleting from my phone is Amazon. I’m out of control with both so I’m setting hard boundaries with myself for 2025. Already feel so much better without the brain rot from social media scrolling. I appreciate your posts on Substack as I’ve had a lot of great things to actually sit with and ponder ☺️
Thank you for the kind words ❤️Good for you! I agree the impulse buying and scrolling on amazon is too real. I deleted my account until I had a baby and now I use it to overnight things for the baby. Good luck deleting - I think you’ll love it.
This article was affirming because I’ve been thinking about deleting social media, I just didn’t know how I would go about and your article gives really good steps to take you there so thank you for that. I subscribed to your Substack, where do I get the input workbook?
I love the reframe of deleting social media as a reward not punishment. It’s so true - we can gain so much from the time we would have if we weren’t scrolling. I’ve been almost looking forward to a TikTok ban as that’s where I’m most mindless in my social media consumption and I know limiting myself will be hard 😅
I was addicted to Facebook when I was 17-21 because the reason of "To update what's happening in the world" But then as soon as the news and drama became unbearable, I started to think that if it worth it to scrolling down anymore, so I stopped using the Facebook, starting from only checking the memories, and then it was evolved into just not care to use it anymore.
Last year (2024) I decide to temporarily deactivate the account, because there is nothing to do there, and since I don't wanna be in the drama zone where a drop of honey is leading to the full argument, I rather focus on something new and you know such.
Not only the main Facebook account, I also deleted a bunch of accounts (Facebook, Google and Hotmail) that I created long time ago when I was a teen, since I don't have any use for it and it was pretty much a time capsule for the teenange me, so I figure it out that deleted it will definitely help me focus into my current works.
It is feel good to get rid of something that no longer serves you.
This is incredible thank you for sharing ❤️ I really resonate with your experience of deleting social media as a way to let go of your younger self. That’s exactly how I felt when I deleted my accounts. It was nice to let go of a piece of me that I’m no longer in touch with. It’s nice to evolve into your best self without the constant reminder of who you were the past. Happy for you!
Deleting social media was absolutely the best thing I have done in years. I feel mentally healthy and even got certified in two specialty areas within months, which is something I would never be able to do while entertaining and fighting with the general public.
I love this for you! Reading your comment made me smile! YES! We will never know what we’re capable of if we spend all our lives watching other people live. Happy for you ❤️
Hi Jessie! I'm Pavel, originally from Prague but I've been living in Germany for a long time. I'm among the youngest of Generation X. Sometimes I feel like I'm neither too old nor particularly young. I set up Facebook in 2012 and deleted it a month ago, along with other social media that somehow got attached to it. I had Instagram, Threads, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, and now I have nothing at all. It happened quite randomly. I'll be 45 soon and I felt that daily scrolling was taking time that I should be investing in something meaningful at my age. So one day I put an end to it. I just suddenly deleted profiles on all social networks. Two days later, my sleep improved and two weeks later my partner noticed the change, confirming that I was less irritable, less stressed, and that I reacted much better in many life situations than before. Suddenly, I exercise more and am able to read books, which wasn't easy before. My attention is taking on a new dimension and my mind is still adjusting to the newfound freedom, but I realize the benefits that leaving social media has brought me. I think that problems with social media addiction affect many people across different generations. I often don't see much difference between Millennials and the youngest part of Generation X. I also used to use MySpace, which was not as bad as Facebook. I wish you much success in the new year, dear Jessie, and thank you for your words. Best regards, Pavel (Germany)
Pavel - thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I’m so glad to hear you followed your intuition and took your time back - and most importantly that you are feeling better. You make a great point that social media is affecting the generations differently - likely because the way we use social is different? I’m not sure, but that is a good question for me to explore. Thank you again for sharing with me ❤️ sending you love from Chicago! Happy new year!
Thanks Ashleigh! For me, there was years of photos (like all of college) that I wanted deleted forever. I was happy to see those images go and hopefully the stories that match disappeared to haha. I saved some photos from the past to my iCloud. I like to organize them in folders by years or events, especially in shared albums (ex: we have an album from our wedding that all of our friends/fam added their pics/videos to). You can “like” and “comment” on images from there with a group of people that only you select. It has a social element since others can contribute + engage, but its much more private and no advertisements
I found your insight very interesting, such a good read. I plan to delete Facebook as we go into the new year. I think what I actually miss the most about the early days of social media is when there were no ads, especially targeted ads. With regard to Substack, I guess at the moment I can’t recall closing down Substack feeling worse than when I opened it, compared to other social media sites. I also find it very easy to spend a few minutes on then close it down, unless reading an interesting article such as this.
Great insights - thanks Joss! I agree the advertisements are so pervasive on other platforms and it makes me feel that “more more more” energy of always wanting more of what I don’t have (and probably don’t need). Yes substack feels a lot less addictive in nature than other platforms! I’m enjoying it so far. Thanks for your comment!
Thank you for sharing an even more in-depth look into this, Jessie. I deleted social media a number of months ago when I realized how it was affecting my relationships and ME. Like you, I made excuses about needing to stay due to work, etc. But enough was enough. I’ve noticed I’m more clear now on who I am without all of the noise telling me - telling me what my relationships should look like, what my home should look like, what I should look like, and I am spending less money on things that are popping up in my face over and over again. I’ve focused more on my mind, body approach and spending more time outside, which has done wonders for me. Cheers to an even more clear and joyful year ahead to you as well! 💛
You said it Krystal 👏 👏 👏 I also feel so much more in touch with myself. Social media tells us how to live / look / dress / eat / spend money. We can make those decisions for ourselves without outside influence from someone we don’t even know telling us what’s best. And when we do we’re a lot better for it! Congrats on your progress - I’m so happy you’re feeling better and more empowered. Thanks for your insights ❤️
Jessie, thank you for this article, it really got me thinking. One of the things I focus on in my own Substack is how we write, think, and communicate with one another online as well as in person. Your posts give me a bit to think about when I write.
I agree with what you wrote in your post; that being said, I am not ready to ditch Facebook quite yet, for one big reason - for me, it's like a dinner table conversation where everyone is at the table, gets to talk, and no one interrupts. At least, that is how I try to use it.
The biggest thing I like about social media is that no one cuts me off mid-sentence; finishing my thoughts is important to me, and frequently in real life conversations I either get cut off mid-sentence or I don't get the opportunity to speak at all. For people like me, social media is a place where I can have my say.
Since I joined Substack, I have a new place to get my thoughts out, but as most of my friends and family aren't there yet, posting on Substack is more like writing in a private diary than discussing topics at the dinner table. Facebook is still more of the online dinner table, so to speak (at least for me). I hope this changes, and that more of my friends and family will join Substack so they can share in thinking and writing, and that Substack can become that dinner table. Until then, I am willing to maintain a limited presence on Facebook so that I can be a part of conversations with family and friends there
Hi Gene ❤️ Thank you for sharing your story and brilliant analogies with me. I HATE when people interrupt - I am so glad you’ve found spaces where you can share your thoughts and ideas without interruption. That’s so important! In the article, I talked about curating a media diet the way we select our food: with great care. It sounds like you’ve found content that is nourishing for you, and spaces that enrich your life. That makes me so happy. Thank you again for sharing!
Love this Jessie! I've cut out more or less all socials and it feels great having my attention back. I believe it's this ruthless competition for our attention is the problem. As if it's some an infinite resource! Myself and a few others (some substackers actually) are starting to paint a vision of what the future might look like should we choose to respect our attention. Much like we did with privacy, it's time we started taking our attention much more seriously. If you're interested, take a look at this and let me know your thoughts, would love to connect: https://soundquakepodcasts.notion.site/We-Respect-Your-Attention-Initiative-Strategic-Overview-152cd78f5e8380b0805bf92e70374ff7?pvs=4
I agree with everyone else. Actually, I came on here just to post what you've been hearing from most others: Substack is a form of social media. So is YouTube for that matter.
What really resonates with me the most in this is the idea that we need to be as mindful about all the things we consume as we know we should be about what we eat. I deleted Instagram almost 3 years ago and have never looked back. Facebook had to go during the election in 2016. I never used Twitter so that was easy. I have to use LinkedIn for work and I use Strava but only to connect with a small group of people. Life is so much better this way!
The 2.0 version of this for me is cutting out the algorithm as much as I can. So long, curated Spotify playlists. I want to find albums and artists to be obsessed with and listen to them on repeat. I want to get really into a FEW great Substack writers instead of subscribing to 50 in a day that all seem related. I’m trying to be my own curator and go discover things slowly and a little bit less conveniently.
Loved your article, thanks for writing!
Love your insights - thanks for sharing your experiences! I am on the same plan for subscribing to a few great creators and supporting/engaging with them as much as possible.
This is such an underrated take! Well said! I appreciate the good recommendations that an algorithm has provided me, but it often times misses the mark-and I’m also slightly annoyed with everything having an algorithm and essentially what feels like constantly shoving content in my face that hopefully matches my likes. I’ve reached low-grade exhaustion with it. Organically finding something (even if it’s “discovered slowly and less conveniently” like you described) is so much more satisfying! Much like browsing the shelves in a public library! I got bored with IG, I stopped using FB a decade ago, I like threads okay but it’s mostly a time-suck. I think I’ll definitely have to delete Twitter in 2025 because it’s such an exhausting dumpster fire. There’s no nourishment there and it stresses me out.
Thank you Cristin! Good point - the recommendations can be convenient, but annoying/overwhelming. The low grade exhaustion from it is too real. It sounds like you are finding a rhythm in selecting content that is nourishing for you. I’m happy to hear it ❤️
I cut out social media starting December and I think the next thing I’ll be deleting from my phone is Amazon. I’m out of control with both so I’m setting hard boundaries with myself for 2025. Already feel so much better without the brain rot from social media scrolling. I appreciate your posts on Substack as I’ve had a lot of great things to actually sit with and ponder ☺️
Thank you for the kind words ❤️Good for you! I agree the impulse buying and scrolling on amazon is too real. I deleted my account until I had a baby and now I use it to overnight things for the baby. Good luck deleting - I think you’ll love it.
This article was affirming because I’ve been thinking about deleting social media, I just didn’t know how I would go about and your article gives really good steps to take you there so thank you for that. I subscribed to your Substack, where do I get the input workbook?
Thank you so much for your feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed the article! The workbook is linked on the welcome email. You can download it from gumroad!
I love the reframe of deleting social media as a reward not punishment. It’s so true - we can gain so much from the time we would have if we weren’t scrolling. I’ve been almost looking forward to a TikTok ban as that’s where I’m most mindless in my social media consumption and I know limiting myself will be hard 😅
Thank you Caitlin! I agree self moderating is sooo hard. Social media is so addicting. Sending you love ❤️
You have really motivated me to take the plunge. The addiction is real! Thank you for sharing.
Yayyyy!!! I love it. Please report back! I’d love to hear how you’re feeling living social media free ❤️❤️❤️
I was addicted to Facebook when I was 17-21 because the reason of "To update what's happening in the world" But then as soon as the news and drama became unbearable, I started to think that if it worth it to scrolling down anymore, so I stopped using the Facebook, starting from only checking the memories, and then it was evolved into just not care to use it anymore.
Last year (2024) I decide to temporarily deactivate the account, because there is nothing to do there, and since I don't wanna be in the drama zone where a drop of honey is leading to the full argument, I rather focus on something new and you know such.
Not only the main Facebook account, I also deleted a bunch of accounts (Facebook, Google and Hotmail) that I created long time ago when I was a teen, since I don't have any use for it and it was pretty much a time capsule for the teenange me, so I figure it out that deleted it will definitely help me focus into my current works.
It is feel good to get rid of something that no longer serves you.
This is incredible thank you for sharing ❤️ I really resonate with your experience of deleting social media as a way to let go of your younger self. That’s exactly how I felt when I deleted my accounts. It was nice to let go of a piece of me that I’m no longer in touch with. It’s nice to evolve into your best self without the constant reminder of who you were the past. Happy for you!
Deleting social media was absolutely the best thing I have done in years. I feel mentally healthy and even got certified in two specialty areas within months, which is something I would never be able to do while entertaining and fighting with the general public.
I love this for you! Reading your comment made me smile! YES! We will never know what we’re capable of if we spend all our lives watching other people live. Happy for you ❤️
Thank you, Jessie! Politics aside, I have a really positive outlook for all of us that are goal-driven in 2025. Let’s get it!
Hi Jessie! I'm Pavel, originally from Prague but I've been living in Germany for a long time. I'm among the youngest of Generation X. Sometimes I feel like I'm neither too old nor particularly young. I set up Facebook in 2012 and deleted it a month ago, along with other social media that somehow got attached to it. I had Instagram, Threads, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, and now I have nothing at all. It happened quite randomly. I'll be 45 soon and I felt that daily scrolling was taking time that I should be investing in something meaningful at my age. So one day I put an end to it. I just suddenly deleted profiles on all social networks. Two days later, my sleep improved and two weeks later my partner noticed the change, confirming that I was less irritable, less stressed, and that I reacted much better in many life situations than before. Suddenly, I exercise more and am able to read books, which wasn't easy before. My attention is taking on a new dimension and my mind is still adjusting to the newfound freedom, but I realize the benefits that leaving social media has brought me. I think that problems with social media addiction affect many people across different generations. I often don't see much difference between Millennials and the youngest part of Generation X. I also used to use MySpace, which was not as bad as Facebook. I wish you much success in the new year, dear Jessie, and thank you for your words. Best regards, Pavel (Germany)
Pavel - thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I’m so glad to hear you followed your intuition and took your time back - and most importantly that you are feeling better. You make a great point that social media is affecting the generations differently - likely because the way we use social is different? I’m not sure, but that is a good question for me to explore. Thank you again for sharing with me ❤️ sending you love from Chicago! Happy new year!
Love this and know I need to delete all social media accounts🙈 what about all the many years of photos I posted? Did you have a way to save those?
Thanks Ashleigh! For me, there was years of photos (like all of college) that I wanted deleted forever. I was happy to see those images go and hopefully the stories that match disappeared to haha. I saved some photos from the past to my iCloud. I like to organize them in folders by years or events, especially in shared albums (ex: we have an album from our wedding that all of our friends/fam added their pics/videos to). You can “like” and “comment” on images from there with a group of people that only you select. It has a social element since others can contribute + engage, but its much more private and no advertisements
I found your insight very interesting, such a good read. I plan to delete Facebook as we go into the new year. I think what I actually miss the most about the early days of social media is when there were no ads, especially targeted ads. With regard to Substack, I guess at the moment I can’t recall closing down Substack feeling worse than when I opened it, compared to other social media sites. I also find it very easy to spend a few minutes on then close it down, unless reading an interesting article such as this.
Great insights - thanks Joss! I agree the advertisements are so pervasive on other platforms and it makes me feel that “more more more” energy of always wanting more of what I don’t have (and probably don’t need). Yes substack feels a lot less addictive in nature than other platforms! I’m enjoying it so far. Thanks for your comment!
Thank you for sharing an even more in-depth look into this, Jessie. I deleted social media a number of months ago when I realized how it was affecting my relationships and ME. Like you, I made excuses about needing to stay due to work, etc. But enough was enough. I’ve noticed I’m more clear now on who I am without all of the noise telling me - telling me what my relationships should look like, what my home should look like, what I should look like, and I am spending less money on things that are popping up in my face over and over again. I’ve focused more on my mind, body approach and spending more time outside, which has done wonders for me. Cheers to an even more clear and joyful year ahead to you as well! 💛
You said it Krystal 👏 👏 👏 I also feel so much more in touch with myself. Social media tells us how to live / look / dress / eat / spend money. We can make those decisions for ourselves without outside influence from someone we don’t even know telling us what’s best. And when we do we’re a lot better for it! Congrats on your progress - I’m so happy you’re feeling better and more empowered. Thanks for your insights ❤️
Jessie, thank you for this article, it really got me thinking. One of the things I focus on in my own Substack is how we write, think, and communicate with one another online as well as in person. Your posts give me a bit to think about when I write.
I agree with what you wrote in your post; that being said, I am not ready to ditch Facebook quite yet, for one big reason - for me, it's like a dinner table conversation where everyone is at the table, gets to talk, and no one interrupts. At least, that is how I try to use it.
The biggest thing I like about social media is that no one cuts me off mid-sentence; finishing my thoughts is important to me, and frequently in real life conversations I either get cut off mid-sentence or I don't get the opportunity to speak at all. For people like me, social media is a place where I can have my say.
Since I joined Substack, I have a new place to get my thoughts out, but as most of my friends and family aren't there yet, posting on Substack is more like writing in a private diary than discussing topics at the dinner table. Facebook is still more of the online dinner table, so to speak (at least for me). I hope this changes, and that more of my friends and family will join Substack so they can share in thinking and writing, and that Substack can become that dinner table. Until then, I am willing to maintain a limited presence on Facebook so that I can be a part of conversations with family and friends there
Hi Gene ❤️ Thank you for sharing your story and brilliant analogies with me. I HATE when people interrupt - I am so glad you’ve found spaces where you can share your thoughts and ideas without interruption. That’s so important! In the article, I talked about curating a media diet the way we select our food: with great care. It sounds like you’ve found content that is nourishing for you, and spaces that enrich your life. That makes me so happy. Thank you again for sharing!
You're welcome!
Love this Jessie! I've cut out more or less all socials and it feels great having my attention back. I believe it's this ruthless competition for our attention is the problem. As if it's some an infinite resource! Myself and a few others (some substackers actually) are starting to paint a vision of what the future might look like should we choose to respect our attention. Much like we did with privacy, it's time we started taking our attention much more seriously. If you're interested, take a look at this and let me know your thoughts, would love to connect: https://soundquakepodcasts.notion.site/We-Respect-Your-Attention-Initiative-Strategic-Overview-152cd78f5e8380b0805bf92e70374ff7?pvs=4
Thanks for sharing Sam! I’m glad you are feeling better. Yes our attention is a valuable, limited resource and should be treated as such!
I agree with everyone else. Actually, I came on here just to post what you've been hearing from most others: Substack is a form of social media. So is YouTube for that matter.