In today's digital age, the lure of social media is stronger than ever. It’s an ingrained habit for many, myself included. At any pause during my day, I find my fingers instinctively tapping on the Instagram or X app on my phone. Whether I’m eating a snack, in bed, or even in the bathroom, the compulsion is always there. Yet, the moment the app begins to load, a sense of panic washes over me, and I close it frantically, often switching to my email or even the weather app in desperation. Unplugging from social media proved to be more challenging than anticipated.
Despite my efforts, disconnecting from Big Tech entirely is not feasible, especially when social media is an integral part of my job. However, many users have been attempting to reduce their reliance, especially following controversial moves by Meta and its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. Aligning with political figures like Donald Trump has driven some users to reconsider their relationship with platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and prompted calls from the left for a boycott.
This call to boycott Meta products is part of a larger cultural shift. In November, following Trump's election, millions flocked to Bluesky, a platform resembling the pre-Elon Musk version of X, largely due to Musk's political alignment with Trump, which transformed the innovative platform into a campaign tool for the right.
The urge to disconnect from social media isn’t new, but the skepticism around Big Tech politics is growing. As people seek alternatives like Bluesky or choose to disconnect entirely, they grapple with the question: Is unplugging truly possible in 2025, when social media is so deeply woven into the fabric of our communication and socialization?
Embarking on a social media fast revealed my reliance on these platforms. Facebook Marketplace was my go-to for vintage furniture, while I used X to send jokes to friends and Instagram to check restaurant hours. Despite recognizing the dangers of endless scrolling and its impact on my mental health, I struggled with the absence of these conveniences and connections.
Discussing this with Marissa Butler, an avid social media user, highlighted the dilemma: quitting social media might sever valuable connections. While some of her friends embraced alternatives like Bluesky, most were as uncertain as we were about entirely leaving social media. The ability to connect globally remains a compelling reason to stay.
By the second day, the compulsion to reach for my phone had decreased, but the long-term implications of unplugging loomed large. Shrinking my social circle was a consequence I wasn’t ready to accept. Conversations with Jennifer Oaks, a former X user, echoed this sentiment. Social media, despite its flaws, offers a vital connection to information and community.
Cal Newport's "Digital Minimalism" discusses our growing dependency on these platforms. The challenge lies in balancing the brain rot of excessive use with its potential for connection. My inclination to scroll during idle moments highlighted this struggle.
As the social media fast concluded, I questioned whether three days was sufficient. Although my compulsions had lessened, the addictive nature of these platforms was apparent. The constant influx of notifications and content makes it difficult to disengage completely.
While there are ways to curate a healthier online experience, systemic changes are necessary to address the broader issues of misinformation and hate speech. The commercial aspect of these platforms, driven by algorithms, adds another layer of complexity.
Ultimately, as I re-entered the digital world, I realized the perpetual balancing act of engaging with social media. The benefits of connection must be weighed against the risks. While 60% of US adults have taken a break from platforms like X, only a fraction stop using them entirely.
The journey to a healthier relationship with social media is ongoing and personal. As I reconnected with a friend moving to another state, it was clear that these apps, despite their flaws, offer a means of maintaining connections. Perhaps it’s a compromise worth making.
