The great social media detox: Are we finally finding our way back to boredom?
A recent study has revealed a significant decline in social media usage among adults worldwide, with time spent on platforms plummeting by nearly 10% since 2022. The findings come as no surprise, given the growing perception of "advice pollution," "enshittification," and the constant bombardment of polarising content that often leaves users feeling drained.
But what's behind this sudden shift? For one, a study conducted by digital audience insights company GWI for the Financial Times looked at 250,000 adults in over 50 countries and found that social media usage peaked in 2022 before beginning its decline. The drop was particularly pronounced among young people, who are now spending significantly less time on social platforms.
So, what's driving this trend? Is it a collective desire to break free from the endless scroll of curated perfection, or is it simply a case of users growing tired of the noise? Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: many people are taking steps to limit their time spent online and rediscover the joys of boredom.
But how can we achieve this elusive state of digital detox? For some, it's as simple as deleting unwanted accounts or setting boundaries around screen time. Others have opted for more drastic measures, such as deleting social media apps altogether from their devices.
So, what are you doing to take control of your online life? Have you deleted any social media accounts or limited your usage in some way? How has it affected you, and what are you using that free time for instead?
By sharing our experiences, we can begin to understand the motivations behind this shift towards a more mindful approach to social media. It's time to reclaim our online lives and find a healthier balance between digital distraction and real-world connection.
A recent study has revealed a significant decline in social media usage among adults worldwide, with time spent on platforms plummeting by nearly 10% since 2022. The findings come as no surprise, given the growing perception of "advice pollution," "enshittification," and the constant bombardment of polarising content that often leaves users feeling drained.
But what's behind this sudden shift? For one, a study conducted by digital audience insights company GWI for the Financial Times looked at 250,000 adults in over 50 countries and found that social media usage peaked in 2022 before beginning its decline. The drop was particularly pronounced among young people, who are now spending significantly less time on social platforms.
So, what's driving this trend? Is it a collective desire to break free from the endless scroll of curated perfection, or is it simply a case of users growing tired of the noise? Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: many people are taking steps to limit their time spent online and rediscover the joys of boredom.
But how can we achieve this elusive state of digital detox? For some, it's as simple as deleting unwanted accounts or setting boundaries around screen time. Others have opted for more drastic measures, such as deleting social media apps altogether from their devices.
So, what are you doing to take control of your online life? Have you deleted any social media accounts or limited your usage in some way? How has it affected you, and what are you using that free time for instead?
By sharing our experiences, we can begin to understand the motivations behind this shift towards a more mindful approach to social media. It's time to reclaim our online lives and find a healthier balance between digital distraction and real-world connection.
gotta be honest tho, i was kinda sad when my followers on tiktok started dwindling lol some of them were so annoying btw anywayz i tried deleting facebook & instagram last month & honestly its been a game changer i can finally watch tv without getting distracted by the notifications 
now i just spend my free time watching anime or playing vids on twitch
, I mean think about it, we're always getting these curated highlight reels from friends on Instagram and it can be super depressing 
. For me personally, deleting Facebook has been a total game changer 
, I used to spend hours scrolling through my newsfeed but now I get to use that time for actual self-care activities like reading or painting 
. And yeah, I still sneak in the odd TikTok session 
, but it's not like it's taking over my life anymore 
. It's so interesting how this trend is shifting towards a more mindful approach to social media, maybe we're finally starting to realize that there's more to life than just likes and comments 
.
I've been deleting accounts left and right on my phone, just to see how it affects my mood and productivity. And honestly, it's made such a huge difference for me. I've taken up gardening again 
and started reading more physical books instead of scrolling through social media before bed.
.
some ppl r just trying 2 get more done, focus on their goals, or practice self-care, so yeah, less screen time might be a good thing... but let's not forget, social media can also be a powerful tool for connection and community-building 
and took up painting instead 
. Now, I can honestly say I have more time to focus on what truly makes me happy.
It's not like the world is going to end if we're not checking our phones every five seconds... right? 
. I mean, have you ever spent hours scrolling through Twitter just to feel vaguely connected to the world? 
Yeah, me neither.
. Anyway, I've taken to using my "free time" for reading and learning stuff that's actually interesting 
. Who knew boredom could be so good? 
. I've been thinking of deleting my instagram account for ages, but im not sure if id be able to survive without the daily dose of cat videos 
. on a more serious note tho, i think the whole trend is pretty cool. i mean who doesn't feel drained after scrolling through their feeds all day? 
I mean, who needs constant updates from BFFs on their vacation or celebrity gossip when you can just... wait, what was I saying? 
or playing guitar 
. And yeah, I've noticed I'm being way more present in conversations with friends and family... no more 'omg, did you see that funny meme?' 
! I've been trying to limit my screen time for ages, it's like my eyes were begging for a break from all that scrolling 
. I also try to have tech-free days where I just spend time with friends and family, it's so refreshing! 
anyway, back to the point... I've deleted all my socials months ago, and honestly, I don't even miss them 
And btw, what's wrong with a good ol' fashioned scroll through TikTok? It's not like I'm addicted or anything... 
. delete social media accounts? no thanks... whats my fave tv show gonna do without my daily dose of cat vids 
Now that people are finally taking a step back from their screens, I think they're realizing how much more productive and present they can be in real life. No more constant notifications, no more comparison games... it's like, hello, you're amazing just the way you are, don't need to curate your online image to impress anyone! 
. It's like we're voluntarily putting ourselves in some sort of digital detox boot camp. I mean, have you noticed how everyone's always sharing their perfect highlight reels? It's like they're trying to gaslight us into thinking that's what life is all about 
.
. It's been...interesting. At first, it felt like withdrawal or something 
instead of just checking Twitter throughout the day.
.