So, it's a bit scary but...

I just closed Instagram and deleted the app. It was the last 'social' media app on my phone. It's scary. It's been a part of my life for so long that I've actually forgotten what it might feel like to live without it. Reason enough to quit. But let's dive deeper.

We live in a world where social media has become an inseparable part of our lives. It is (used to be?) a place to connect, share, and discover. But the numbers that reveal a darker side of this digital realm.

Mental Well-being:

Have you ever felt a little bit sad after scrolling through your social media feed? You're not alone. Studies reveal that excessive social media use contributes to anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness. A study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that platforms like Instagram and Facebook negatively impact our mental health, especially among young people. It's truly time to prioritize our well-being over virtual popularity.

Privacy Invasion:

Remember the Cambridge Analytica scandal? It was a wake-up call for us all. Social media platforms have been taking our personal data without our consent. I'm in the advertising business. It's real and it is time to draw the line and demand better protection of our privacy. (or monetization!) We should have control over our information, not some faceless corporation...and they want us to PAY for that?

The Spread of Fake News:

Misinformation clearly thrives on social media platforms, and it's affecting society. A study by MIT discovered that false news spreads like wildfire, reaching far more people than the truth. This dangerous trend erodes trust, influences elections, and widens divisions among us. After all, "a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes."

Time Sink:

My personal reason for stopping. Think about the hours you spend endlessly scrolling through your feed. We are all guilty of it. According to reports, people spend an average of over TWO HOURS a day on social media, worldwide. Imagine what we could accomplish if we redirected even a fraction of that time towards our passions, relationships, or personal growth. Let's break free from the screen and reclaim our time.

Am I scared? Yes, it's scary to stop a bad habit. But the statistics speak for themselves. We need to hit pause and reevaluate our relationship with social media.

Take a break and set some boundaries. Prioritize your mental well-being, protect your privacy, combat the spread of fake news, and rediscover the joys of living in the present moment. Log off, connect with loved ones face-to-face, pursue your passions, and find inspiration in the real world.

I'll see you there.