My husband and I made an agreement to help each other stay off social media platforms as much as possible. We left our accounts up instead of deleting them, but consciously stopped using them. Now, I'm glad to report that they have worked.
Tired of being the last to hear of things, we downloaded a few news-specific apps that provide timely information. Instead of relying on articles shared by my friends, I now have access to a steady stream of headlines that span far broader than my pre-specified interests.
Staying updated on our social circle has also been a more conscious effort. Previously I was kept up-to-the-minute on engagements, weddings, new jobs and babies through updates and pictures.
Without social media, I now learn of these important events only when actually meeting the people involved.
The effort taken to sit down and write is far challenging, but when I do take the time to journal, my reflections go far deeper.
I still log in occasionally. Based on the screen time tracked by my phone, I used to spend an average of over 24 hours a week on various social media platforms. That is down to just 20 minutes every month now, freeing up a large amount of time for sleep, hobbies and offline interactions.
I might know less about my acquaintances now, but have more time to keep directly in touch with my closest friends. Walking home last week, I was greeted by a dramatic purple-pink sunset. I would have immediately reached for my phone a year ago. Now, it was enough to simply watch it darken into the night.
A. Overall, I'm glad to have made the change.
B. I bought myself a diary again after many years.
C. We have made a few adjustments in our daily life.
D. This has also widened the range of news I keep up with.
E. I do miss the convenience of using social media to record and reflect.
F. However, social media now plays a much less important role in my life.
G. I didn't realize how programmed I had become to constantly use the app.
