Rejoining the Real World

Bye, social media!

—Some tips and benefits you, too, could experience by stopping social media

I made a decision recently to rid myself of #Instagram, #LinkedIn, #Twitter, and (before January) #FaceBook. You can thank John Delony and #BigTech for the inspiration. I may be wrong, but I think this is the first time since 2008 without any significant #socialmedia (i.e., that to which I post). If you are on the cusp and are thinking similarly, you basically have two options: deactivate or close. I want to share with you a brief tips/how-to of sorts as well as some benefits I’ve had that you may very well experience. Obviously, I am keeping my website/WordPress for now. Time will tell.

As far as a how-to, the internet is a your friend; the steps may vary, depending on the platform. This is not meant to be a comprehensive guide. I definitely recommend backing up your data first before deactivating or closing your account. I believe FaceBook is the first platform I used. There were things on there I wanted to be able to keep. If you’re like me and want to keep things, you can simply do an internet search about backing up your account. These files were relatively small downloads for me; this may vary for you. The wait period was not significant. You’ll likely get an email, stating your data archive is ready to download. Then, you download it. You can back it up to wherever you’d like.

Next is deactivation. If you’re unsure if you’ll return to social media, do another internet search about deactivating your account. Keep in mind that the platforms may call deactivating your account something else (e.g., some use the term “deactivate;” others may use the term “hibernate). Deactivating (or whatever term) simply puts the account on pause whereas closing the account is permanent. When I closed FaceBook before 2020, I was surprised at how “buried” the deactivation option seemed. My take is perhaps Zuck doesn’t want it to be too easy to leave. In any event, if you’re unsure if you want this holiday to be permanent, opt for deactivation after backing it up. If you want a permanent holiday, however, you can completely close the account, which works just fine!

I have one more tip for you before moving onto the observations. If you have a website such as #WordPress, make sure you deactivate your social media and remove links. One tricky thing about deactivating your account is signing back in reactivates it. I didn’t want that to happen. So, if you have auto-publish to certain social media platforms, do an internet search on how to deactivate that.

If you get stuck, let me know. I can try to help you. The main point of this piece, however, is to share some benefits with you.

1. #Time. Let me say this: It is unreal the draw, the urge, or the compulsion to check, scroll, or swipe after I put things on pause. If you’re willing to cut down or even eliminate social media, you may experience that, too. It. Will. Pass. You will find new ways to waste time OR be more productive. The choice is yours.
2. #Peace. I think honestly a large part of this is due to the lack of comparison I’m doing with others’ perfect shots or posts. I feel like I am able to focus on important things. Even though social media is based in the real world, there are elements to me that seem fictional, which brings me to the next point.
3. #Reality. I know—reality is worthy of escaping sometimes. I get it. Books, entertainment, and nature are great escapes. I have been able to do more things such as live life. I have had exceptional #family time. We have done so many DIY projects and things for our home. I think it is important to live life first. There are lots of inspirational things that happen as a result that are definitely share-worthy. While I do not have social media to do that, I can text pics to friends. I can have deeper conversations in real life. I can enrich my faith. The #pandemic has definitely made #connection a #challenge. #Life is not always #comfortable. It helps me to think about #Jesus on the #cross; I don’t think that was comfortable. Live life to live, not post.

Live life to live, not post.

~Dr. Jason Newcomb

You may find yourself saying things like, “How will I stay in touch? I use _____ for ______.” I challenge you to recognize these statements may very well be excuses or justifications for you continuing your social media (dare I say) #addiction. I gave close friends and family a heads-up. I’m betting you will find a way to communicate with the people who are important to you and vice versa. I’ve not had one person say, “Hey, I don’t see you on _____. What happened?” You will find a way. If you’re one of my friends, please, for the love of God and goodly creatures, #donotcall; #text.

Whether your break is temporary or permanent, give it a shot. Say goodbye to social media and rejoin the real world. Let me know what you discover as a result.