Last year, I was at a retreat when someone shared how stepping away from social media - specifically Instagram - was the best thing she ever did. She spoke with such passion and conviction that I couldn't ignore it. I totally got where she was coming from. For me, Facebook and Instagram are the platforms I struggle with the most. 

Why I Admire Passionate People

I’ve always admired people who speak with real passion - the kind that makes you feel their words. You just know they mean it. Maybe that’s why I find Jordan Peterson so compelling. I don’t agree with everything he says, but there’s something magnetic about the way he delivers his truth. Every word is charged with emotion, and you can sense the weight behind it. In a world where so many people filter themselves, that kind of raw authenticity is rare - and I can’t help but admire it.

The Instagram Dilemma

The Good and the Bad of Instagram

On one hand, I’ve had some genuinely positive experiences with Instagram. Without it, I never would’ve discovered the retreat I attended last year, and I wouldn’t have met Jessie (who, by the way, is one of the most authentic and uplifting people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting). I’ve even made some meaningful connections. So, it’s not all bad.

But then… there’s the other side of Instagram. You know, the endless sales pitches, the “buy this” ads that never seem to stop, and the picture-perfect “you’re living your best life” moments that somehow make you feel like you’re falling behind. Over time, I’ve figured out who’s real and worth connecting with - and who’s just adding to the noise. But let’s be honest, sometimes it still feels like a right old car crash of superficial nonsense.

The Breaking Point

So, I decided to take the plunge. I deleted the Facebook app from my phone a while ago. And while I would still check it, the random reels and irrelevant posts just became… exhausting. The real turning point? The other day, I decided to go all in. I deleted Instagram, turned off all my social media notifications, and even deleted Messenger. Gasp! Yeah, I know. I'm officially off the grid for a while.

Why Messenger Might Come Back

Let’s be real - I’ll probably end up downloading Messenger again at some point. It’s the only way my old work colleagues and I stay in touch, and I don’t want to be completely out of the loop. But for now, I’m committing to a solid six-week break.

And guess what? It’s been almost a week, and I actually feel better. More focused. More present. At night, I’ve been reading instead of scrolling - though, I’ll admit, I still get drawn into those random Google-recommended articles. But hey, at least they’re interesting.

The Benefits of Disconnecting

It’s only been a week, but I already feel so much better. In fact, I’m starting to wonder - how much could I cut down my phone use altogether? I mean, when I was younger, I didn’t even have a phone, and I survived just fine, right? And hey, Ed Sheeran hasn’t had a phone since 2015, and he seems to be doing just fine.

Sure, I need it for calls and messages, but maybe I could just check those at set times during the day. Everything else - banking apps, the school app - I could move to my laptop. Honestly, I don’t know. I just feel like my phone drains me, and my energy could be so much better spent on literally anything else.

A Thought to Take Away

Look, I’m not saying you should delete all your social media and move to a cabin in the woods (unless that’s your vibe - in which case, go for it). But if the constant pressure to keep up with everyone else’s highlight reel is leaving you drained, maybe it’s time to hit pause. Step back. You might just realise that life feels a whole lot lighter when you stop measuring it against someone else’s curated version - and start conserving your energy for what actually matters.✨