Pull The Plug
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You need to set a time limit on your social media. Or just get rid of it.
Before I lose you, hear me out for a second. I absolutely adore my girly brain-rotting get-ready-with-me videos and silly cat compilation carousels. There is a strange level of relaxation that I achieve through the internet (in moderation). However, about six months ago, I started a journey to practice mindfulness in my consumption of social media. I deleted TikTok around that time and have just recently set a time limit on my Instagram, so I can only use the app for one hour a day. Let me tell you about it in just three words: Best. Decision. Ever.
Before I permanently deleted my TikTok account and set a time restriction on Instagram, I felt super drained. It was almost like having a hangover from information overload. I felt like I was in a dungeon of comparison and consumerism, having thoughts like, “Is my nose too big?” and “Do I dress cool enough?” I enabled so much of my self-doubt just by being on my phone too much. And without regulating my screen time, I was going to stay in that rut.
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In a weird metaphorical way, social media can be compared to a toxic partner — a world-class energy vampire. If you’re anything like me, it will take you a lot to walk away from that relationship. But eventually, you do it, you grieve for a while, and then you finally have your heartbreak glow up. Fast forward to today, I can proudly say that I’ve fallen out of love with social media and fallen in love with my life again. My nose and wardrobe included! So, if you've been feeling overwhelmed or drained because of your relationship with social media, it’s time to DUMP THEM!
Normally after a breakup, such as mine with TikTok and (partially) with Instagram (it’s complicated), I start picking up hobbies until I find one that sticks and genuinely fulfills me. In my case, I discovered a deep passion for guitar and a love for game nights with the girls. I suddenly had so much more time to find things I enjoy doing, after feeling like I had no time to do the things I wanted for so long. It was a legit delusion: Less phone time = more real-life time. That’s Girl Math 101.
Setting boundaries with social media isn't about completely cutting off from the online world but rather about finding a balance that enhances your well-being. It's about being intentional with your time and curating an online space that aligns with your values and aspirations. I’ve had to be very picky about the accounts I follow and how they contribute to the detriment or betterment of my mental and emotional health. I used to feel ashamed for how much I let myself be affected by other people’s (mainly celebrities and influencers) social media accounts, their own digital safe space. I felt weak, insecure and sensitive, but I shifted the narrative inward. What about my feelings? My algorithm? I don’t owe anybody anything, and neither do you!
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My digital landscape is chock-full of kittens, dachshund puppies, and, still, brain-rotting get-ready-with-me videos because I’m a sucker for them. And you know what? I like it that way. I like that I don’t follow people who’ve had their ribs removed to be skinnier or are paid to promote microtrends in fast fashion. Taking control of my social media was a powerful act of self-care; It was about fostering a positive relationship with the online world amid so many negative ones. If you feel called to join me, it’s your turn now. So, whether it's through setting time limits, unfollowing toxic accounts or taking occasional digital detoxes, remember that you have the power to shape both your online experience and the repercussions of that experience.
As I reflect on my journey, limiting my social media usage has allowed me to rediscover joy in the things I love about myself and my life. So, are you ready to take the plunge and pull the plug? Your well-being might just thank you for it.
Strike Out,
Madeline Jankowski
Editor: Caroline Kostuch
Athens