While social media platforms make it easy to stay connected with friends, they also bring a range of downsides. It can affect your mental health, reduce productivity, encourage impulsive spending, and more. I’ll share some of the reasons why I took a step back from social media and how doing so has improved my life.
1 I Have Improved My Mental Health
I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my mental health since quitting social media. I used to constantly dwell on bad arguments and mindlessly scroll through my feed for hours, all of which took a toll on my mental well-being. I also used to compare my life to others and stress over things beyond my control.
Since leaving social media, I’ve freed myself from the pressure of keeping up with others. The constant cycle of comparison has ended, and my mind now has the space to relax. I feel much less stressed, which clearly shows my mental health has improved. If you want to reclaim your mental well-being, I highly recommend taking a break from social media.
2 My Self-Esteem Has Increased
On social media, everyone showcases their best side, which used to give me the illusion that all my friends and the celebrities I followed had perfect lives. Seeing filtered images, glamorous lifestyles, and constant success made me compare myself to them. This led to self-doubt and a sense of inadequacy, even though I was working hard to improve my life.
It took me some time to realize that people only present a polished version of themselves online, and behind the scenes, no one’s life is truly perfect. Since quitting social media, I’ve redirected my focus toward my personal goals. I feel more confident, have improved my self-esteem, and appreciate my journey. I strive to be better than I was the day before.
3 I Have Cut Down on Screen Time
To manage IBS, one of my doctor’s recommendations was to reduce my screen time. However, the addictive nature of social media made this difficult. Every day, social media apps used to dominate my screen time. I also started to experience eye strain and neck pain from poor posture. My habit of scrolling before bed also disrupted my sleep cycle.
Quitting social media has drastically reduced my screen time. Now, I have more time to spend with loved ones and am more present in the moment. My friends no longer complain about me being glued to my phone when we’re together. Instead of scrolling before bed, I now read a book that helps my melatonin levels regulate, helping me enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
4 I Am More Productive Now
Social media used to be a big distraction in my life. What often began as a quick notification check used to spiral into hours of mindless scrolling, causing me to lose track of time and waste large portions of my day. Even after leaving social media, my mind used to fixate on waiting for replies on the posts I had commented on.
This habit negatively affected my freelance work. Tasks that should have taken just a few hours used to consume my entire day.
Quitting social media eliminated this distraction. Now, I’ve redirected my energy toward my work, with my full mental focus dedicated to it. Without constant notification pings, I can concentrate much better and complete tasks on time. If you’re also struggling with productivity, cutting off social media could make a noticeable difference.
5 I Have Reduced Impulsive Spending
Have you ever mentioned a product to a friend or family only to see an advertisement for it on social media? The constant temptation from these personalized ads used to lead me to make impulsive purchases that I later regretted. Influencers promoting trendy products also used to push me to buy things I didn’t really need.
The ease of online shopping made it even worse—a few clicks, and the item was on its way. This habit was straining my budget. Since quitting social media, I’ve significantly cut back on my monthly spending. Now, I only make intentional purchases and buy things I genuinely need rather than what catches my eye.
6 I Focus on New Hobbies and Skills Building
Social media used to consume so much of my time that I struggled to complete essential tasks. Since quitting, I now have plenty of time, even after finishing the daily to-do lists I have in mind. The hours I once spent mindlessly scrolling are now devoted to my hobbies. It has given me the fulfillment I had been missing from passively consuming content.
With this social media detox, I now have the mental space to learn new skills to help me grow in my career. I now feel like I’m living a more balanced and fulfilling life.
7 My Privacy Remains Protected
Social media algorithms track our activities and gather vast amounts of personal data. Most of us accept the terms and conditions without fully understanding what type of data these platforms collect. They use this information to display targeted ads or even sell it to third parties—something we can’t be sure about. This used to be a constant concern for me.
Since limiting my online presence, I no longer have to worry about my data being collected. Because of this, I’m now less vulnerable to data breaches and other cybersecurity threats. Also, by not sharing my trips, relationships, and other personal activities, I keep my private life away from public view, even from friends.
8 I Am Less Concerned About Identity Theft
I’ve experienced identity theft a few times where scammers copied my profile data and impersonated me to deceive my contacts. They asked for financial help under my name, and some friends even fell for their schemes. This was an ongoing struggle, as scammers used to create new profiles whenever I reported and had their previous ones blocked.
Before quitting social media, I informed all my friends about my departure so they would recognize any new profile, messaging them as a potential impersonator.
I left social media for the reasons outlined above, and it has positively transformed my life. If social media platforms also consume your time and affect your life, you should seriously consider whether it’s time to disconnect. If you find my reasons convincing, taking a break from social media apps or limiting their use could positively change your daily life.
