Raspberry Iced M

The church I attend fasted from January 4 to January 25. The specific goal was to pray for the direction in which the church was heading.

I decided to participate in the fast. However, I didn’t give up food. Instead, I uninstalled my social media apps. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

I kept Pinterest since I don’t communicate with anyone on that app. I also kept YouTube because I use it to listen to ASMR videos at night and online sermons. I also kept Audible, because that’s not a social media app, at least not in my opinion.

A terrible ice storm came through my area about a week ago, after the fast was over. So I reinstalled the social media apps in order to connect with people who live in my tiny little community, as to receive updates about road conditions, electricity restoration, etc. Moreover, my church and my son’s school post scheduling updates. So I thought it was necessary that I reinstall my apps.

It wasn’t.

I was without social media for 29 days in total, from December 31 to January 28. And this is what happened:

1. My anxiety and depression decreased significantly. Having less exposure to the “highlight reels” of others forced concentration on my own life. Hobbies. Inner work. Growth. And that ultimately reduced my anxiety.
2. I developed an improved sense of self awareness. I had more time for introspection which helped me better understand myself, my own perspectives, my opinions – and most importantly – why those opinions exist. I would argue that, for me, social media can be brainwashing at times.
3. Comparison culture was canceled in my life. Not seeing was everyone else was doing broke me free from the measurement of myself against others, and thus improving my sense of self worth.
4. My productivity increased. There were less time-wasting distractions which freed up lots of time for meaningful tasks. I read a couple of books, watched some decent movies, spent time with my family, all without worrying what I was missing by scrolling for hours.
5. My level of focus increased. I gained the ability to think more clearly and keep the phone down in order to complete a task without distractions.
6. I developed enhanced critical thinking skills. Less exposure to shallow content improved my ability to think more profoundly about ideas that actually matter.
7. My real-life connections became a priority. I gained the ability to sit with family or friends, not just stare at people on the internet.
8. I slept better. At bedtime, there was no mindless scrolling. I read my Bible and closed my eyes when I got sleepy without anxiety or a guilty conscience.
9. I was better able to live in the moment. My observation skills improved and I began to embrace the present.
10. My skill set expanded. I learned an accomplished so much in about a month. I have maintained a bullet journal and a prayer journal, kept up with my Bible reading. I read two other books, watched movies (and reviewed them), maintained the house, perfected my skincare routine, and worked on what I share with all of you. It was an amazing use of my time.

I am still on my apps. The first day, I scrolled TikTok for hours and started to feel really terrible about it. So I am not sure they’re here to stay. I liked who I was when I wasn’t on social media. So I will continue to pray for direction.

I hope you have an amazing week.