In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives – or so we think. They keep us connected with friends and family, informed about the world, and entertained with endless content. However, after much reflection, I’ve decided to delete social media apps from my phone. I’m not leaving the platforms, I just don’t need the apps constantly pinging me on my primary device that I carry around. I plan to still keep these apps installed on an old phone I keep tucked away in a drawer, and set strict limits on daily usage. This decision stems from a desire to improve my productivity. Here are the main reasons why:
FOMO and Anxiety
“Fear of Missing Out,” or FOMO, is a phenomenon that’s been greatly exacerbated by social media. It’s that nagging feeling you get when you see posts of friends at gatherings, or when you come across travel photos of a distant acquaintance living what seems like a dream life. This constant exposure to the highlight reels of others’ lives can lead to significant anxiety and a persistent feeling of being left out or inadequate.
Additionally, the immediacy and constant flow of notifications create a sense of urgency that demands our attention, making us anxious if we don’t check our phones. This anxiety can disrupt our peace of mind and overall well-being. By deleting social media apps, I aim to escape this cycle of FOMO and anxiety, allowing myself to live more in the moment and focus on real-life connections.
By comparing our everyday lives to the polished, curated snapshots of others, we’re setting ourselves up for dissatisfaction. I’ve decided that it’s time to stop this cycle of comparison and focus on appreciating my own life, with its unique ups and downs, without the distorted lens of social media. I’ve found I don’t need the constant stream of humblebragging- people starting businesses, having entrepreneurial success, taking on extensive side gigs, or hustling. Take a breath! You never had any such aspirations, and there’s no point at this stage of life taking on the dreams of others when you should be focusing on your own.
Distracting Nature
Social media is designed to be addictive. The endless scrolling, bright colors, and instant gratification of likes and comments can easily lead us down a rabbit hole of wasted time. I’ve found myself reaching for my phone at every idle moment, mindlessly scrolling through feeds even when I have important tasks to complete or when I could be engaging in more fulfilling activities.
Upon examining my screen time statistics, I was shocked to discover that on average, I spent 5 hours and 27 minutes per day on my phone, with over 140 pickups daily. These numbers were a wake-up call, highlighting just how much of my time was consumed by mindless scrolling and unnecessary check-ins on social media. It made me question the real necessity of having these apps constantly at my fingertips.
This distraction is not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a significant barrier to productivity and focus. By removing these apps from my phone, I’m taking a step towards reclaiming my time and attention, allowing me to concentrate on tasks that truly matter and enrich my life.
Apps Are Unnecessary
The realization hit me: anyone who truly needs me in an emergency knows how to reach me by call. My wife, parents, brother or anyone from work. This understanding has been crucial in my decision to delete social media apps – it’s not like anyone important ever tried to message me through Facebook messenger or LinkedIn – most of those messages are spam. It’s not about cutting off communication but rather about filtering the noise and distractions that come with constant app notifications and the compulsion to check updates. By removing these apps, I’m not only aiming to reduce my screen time significantly but also to prioritize more meaningful, direct forms of communication. This step is about reclaiming my time and attention for activities and interactions that add true value to my life, rather than allowing my device to dictate my day.
Conclusion
This move is about creating more space for real-life interactions, focusing on personal growth, being present for my wife and children and appreciating the now without the distractions and negative impacts of social media. It’s a personal experiment in living a more intentional and present life, and I’m optimistic about the positive changes it will bring.
delete the apps