I was on Instagram last night when I was struck with the thought ‘you need to spend some time away from this, some time away from Instagram and Facebook, some time away from social media.’
I haven’t been spending that much time on these platforms recently, not since deciding a few weeks ago that I wouldn’t pick up my phone until noon. But I still felt like too much of my life was being eaten up with scrolling and comparing myself to other creatives.
I also haven’t been happy about the level of distraction I’ve been experiencing when I haven’t been on social media but have instead been trying to get work done. In the morning, when I wasn’t allowed to touch my phone, my focus would be solid. I could get into the ‘zone.’ But as soon as I had the option to pick my phone up, my focus started to splinter. There’s a lot of things I want to get done this year, so I simply cannot have splintered focus.
There was no arguing with the thought. I didn’t try and persuade it that my usage of social media is very much under control. Instead, I agreed that it was time to take some time away. I found myself feeling quite excited about the idea. I thought about how it could improve my productivity and clarity of thought. It felt like the right thing to do.
Before I go any further, I want to let you know that I don’t think social media is a terrible thing. When used in moderation, it can be an inspirational, educational, fun, nurturing, uplifting and exciting place to spend time.
But when it’s used in excess and not for the right reasons, it can be frustrating, upsetting, unfulfilling and dangerous. It can be a breeding place for depression, low self-esteem and anxiety. It can also fuck with our sleep, cause eyestrain and mess with our posture. Though you don’t need me to tell you all this. I know I’m repeating what’s been said a million times before…but I suppose the more conversations started about it in different spaces on the internet the better. In the end, it is all about finding balance, and until I’ve better learned how to find and manage that balance, I’d like to step back.
I’m not sure how long I’ll be logged out of Facebook and Instagram. I’ll see how it goes. But I’ll still be blogging here on Wyrd Words & Effigies, and will be feeding back to you about how my sabbatical from the socials is going.
Celebrating the strange and the shadowy, the damned and unseen 
[…] mentioned in my first post about my social media sabbatical about my focus being splintered, and how that was one of my main reasons for taking time away from […]
Selfishly, I can still read you here, though if you ever need a break from the blog, that would be understandable. Breaks are typically good. I’ve become disenchanted with Facebook and so haven’t gone there much. I imagine its value to me remains, that of being able to hear from family and friends whom I don’t keep in touch with so well due to distance and time. As for misinformation, I’m saddened and angered by that, though I don’t go to FB or other social media sites for news. Maybe my attitude or perspective is being tilted, anyway. Sorry, I don’t think you’re talking about the news as much as saying a break is coming, is here. Good. Good luck.
Good for you! I go through instances of wanting to quit FB, but it feels almost too heavy to do even that. I really enjoy your posts here and can’t wait to read and see more.
Hi Hayley! š I’m so glad you enjoy my posts, that’s really brightened my day! If you ever do decide to come off Facebook, even for a little while, let me know and we can support each other. š I hope you’re having a lovely Sunday. x