Why I Don’t Do Social Media

The only social media I use is Facebook for commerce and message purposes. Everything else is chat apps for checking in on friends and family — Messenger, Telegram, etc…

Here are some reasons why I don’t do your typical social media like Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, Reddit and etc…

1. Because I have arms and legs

With my legs, I can move myself across the world. I use them to walk, run, drive, or bike to hangouts with friends and family. With my arms, I use to express share my love through caring touch, giving, and articulation.

“social media is necessary to keep us connected” — I don’t think so. Taking into consideration modern life, the person who probably said this is one lazy f*ck.

The only lazier thing I can think of besides that mindset is people who date virtually, rather than in-person.

2. Because I enjoy being alive

Watching other people live their lives through a tiny screen may be stimulating for some; but you know what’s better?

Living life through your own eyes.

I’m talkin’ smelling your food before eating it, speaking slowly in deep conversation, appreciating nature, experiencing a new destination, meeting new people out in the real world, unadulterated artistic expression, discovering more about yourself through silence, and so on.

Your phone is, and will always be a tool. It has it’s place, but that place isn’t EVERYWHERE.

“A picture can bring back a thousand memories” — the only thing is though, if you wasted all your time taking pictures and posting them for that ‘Gram, then what memories are you left with?

I go to the beach a lot, and I’ve noticed that a bunch of people waste so much time getting that perfect angle during a sunset — because of that, they forget to swim in the ocean.

Also… think about it — you are wasting irreplacable seconds of your life watching other people live their lives through a tiny screen. How does it make you feel?

3. Because “likes” are stupid

People who tie their own self-worth to likes, shares, or popularity in general are lost in the system — a system that causes a spiral of self-loathing, doubt, and instability. It is like a hamster running on a hamster wheel trying to catch a treat they will never reach (unless they step out of the wheel, of course).

Food for thought: No person is the same; everyone has different life experiences that result in them having different needs and desires. Why would you even try to compete with other people who’s lives are different from yours? Not to mention, everyone only posts the highlight reels because “GLOW UP CULTURE”

It’s funny how a lot of people spend time that they lack, buy things they can’t afford and do things they don’t want to do just so they can impress people they don’t even like.

4. Because social media is mentally fattening

People also scrolling on social media without searching intentfully are probably those who have nothing better to do with their lives.

What other things can you do when you are bored on your phone?

• research about a topic that interests you — Google is your friend.
• call a friend via SMS
• draw something using your notes app (something I loved to do back when I was waiting for the bus)
• play an interesting game

Long term effects of social media overuse?

• dependence
• lack of satisfaction from real life experiences
• social comparison, stress, emotional instability and decreased confidence
• increased susceptibility to mental illness
• loss of productivity
• you will become like everybody else — like how a raindrop will dissolve in an ocean

5. Social media is excellent in concept, but poor in execution

Social media isn’t free — you might not realize it but you have already paid for it.

Most social media services make profit by giving away your personal data (age, location, search habits, etc.) to advertisers and digital marketers. Privacy is the cost you pay.

not to mention… ADS, MARKETING, ADS, ADS, ADS

Time is the only truly non-renewable resource in the universe, and you are wasting precious seconds of it looking at ADS.

Also, let’s not forget about the poor content moderation which causes a lot of violent, pornographic and explicit posts to slip through…(Facebook, IG, I’m looking at you)

6. Because I learn from experience, not stranger’s opinions

A lot of people are stupid, and it took me quite a while to realize that too. Life truly is the best teacher when it comes to discovering new things, or searching for answers on every single topic under the sun.

Sure, insights can be helpful, but the real determining factor in their usefullness or impact to you as an individual is actually trying those insights out in real life. Sadly, many people just eat opinions without even checking if those opinions are valid.

You should especially be careful for people giving health advice, because a lot of times the advice being thrown around has no scientific basis at all, and can put you at risk of harming yourself and others.

Also another benefit of not doing social media is that it distances you from all the annoying wannabe influencers polluting the digital world with their noisy opinions.

7. Because there are so many better things to do

Instead of scrolling, you could:

• Do a hobby you enjoy
• Do something creative
• Get some much deserved headspace by resting or meditating
• Go out or appreciate nature
• Hang out with friends or family
• Eat something
• Exercise