Let’s talk about social media, shall we? It’s that glittering friend who lures you in with promises of fun and connection but soon transforms into a clingy roommate who hogs your time, messes with your head, and won’t let you breathe. Before you know it, you’re stuck in an endless cycle of scrolling, watching, comparing, and overthinking.
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A Second Attempt at Freedom
I’m on my second attempt at quitting social media.
The first? It was great—I lasted about a year. Then, one day, I sneaked back, thinking, Maybe just a little scroll won’t hurt. Spoiler alert: it did.
Last time, I went all out and deleted my accounts, cutting off social media entirely. This time, I didn’t take such a drastic step—I just decided to step back and observe. And now, I’m determined to get off this wild ride for good.
Image idea: A pair of hands typing on a phone, with a “delete account” button on the screen.
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Moving Cities, Moving Perspectives
Here’s how my escape began. I moved to a new city. Alone. No friends, no acquaintances, no backup plan.
And honestly? I didn’t care to make friends either. My Sawdan India instincts kicked in, warning me to tread carefully—people might smile today and scam you tomorrow. Funny, sure, but isn’t it also painfully accurate?
Image idea: A lone suitcase at a train station, symbolizing a fresh start.
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The Illusion of Social Media
I’ve never bought into the glamorous, curated life social media advertises. I know it’s a show—a stage where people put on their best faces. From perfectly timed vacations to “candid” relationship goals, it’s all smoke and mirrors.
My relationship with social media was purely transactional: I used it to earn a little extra cash, not to make friends. However, I didn’t even make money off it because the constant use of my phone became so irritating that I couldn’t keep up with the effort.
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The Scrolling Trap
But moving to a new city had its challenges. It wasn’t impossible to manage, but it was harder than I thought. And one day, out of sheer boredom, I opened social media.
Just for a quick look, I told myself. Famous last words.
Before I knew it, I was sucked into the scrolling vortex. Cats doing flips, influencers offering life-changing advice in 30 seconds, people flaunting their seemingly perfect lives—it was addictive. And it started messing with my head.
Image idea: A person looking drained in front of a glowing phone screen.
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Emotional Whirlwind
I’m an emotional fool by nature (yes, guilty as charged), and social media became a full-blown emotional rollercoaster.
One moment, a motivational reel would have me dreaming of starting my own business.
Five minutes later, a sad breakup post would leave me teary-eyed.
The highs and lows were exhausting.
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Doubts and Comparisons
What’s worse? I started doubting myself. I’ve always been the “no regrets, no guilt” type of girl. But now, every other post had me questioning:
My choices
My achievements
Even my morning chai
I’d look at someone’s Maldives vacation and think, Why does my life feel so basic?
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The Turning Point
It hit me one day: Seema, this isn’t you.
I decided it was time to quit. Not a dramatic, “delete everything and disappear” kind of quit. I started stepping back gradually, removing one platform at a time. It’s still a work in progress, but I already feel lighter.
Image idea: A smiling person closing a laptop, symbolizing balance and peace.
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The Real Problem
Social media isn’t entirely evil. It’s a tool.
The problem starts when the tool begins using you instead of the other way around.
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Now let me ask you:
How often do you find yourself scrolling aimlessly, comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel?
How many times has a single post messed with your mood or made you doubt yourself?
If social media were banned tomorrow, would you feel lost, or would you find freedom?
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Think about it. Because I’m still figuring it out myself.🌸🏵💮
Untangled Mind 