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What’s It Actually Like to Live Without Social Media?
7 things I’ve learned — it’s not all sunshine and daises…
I have been living without social media for most of the last 2 years. I say “most” because it’s almost impossible to not come across it — and I did try Instagram for a month in October 2020 (to post photos of my pup) but eventually deleted that account as well. But honestly, the idea of living without social media started almost 6 years ago for me, meaning… it took me 4 years to finally quit.
Social media is a form of addiction. Seriously, “…people who use social media incessantly often have attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors that mimic those of a drug addict.” Individuals who are addicted to social media are more likely to have trouble making decisions, show symptoms of increased anxiety, and feel exceptionally stressed. As many as 10% of Americans (or more) may have social media addiction. I used to be a part of that 10%.
Let’s back up for a second. Like, waaaaay back to the ye olde days when homo sapiens were beginning to develop a sense of “humanity.” To be human is to be social. Our brains are hardwired for social interaction as, “…evolution has treated social connection like a necessity, not a luxury.” To survive, humans have had to stick together in tribes, groups, clans, whatever you want to call it…
