The fact that you got signifcantly more writing done without Instagram is huge. That creative focus boost is worth way more than the casual entertainmnt. The lonliness piece is real though, social media has definitely replaced some of the incidental social connections we used to have.
I agree, the increase in my flow-state writing was remarkable, and worth giving up IG!
I was wondering about the social connection thing, too. Would I have found it much easier if I was in the city, with plenty of opportunities to connect with friends? I’ll try it and see! I am a very outgoing person, so I typically really get a lot out of little friendly chats with strangers when I’m in a city.
My socials. I have instagram, but only go on when I get direct messages from friends to say check out this or that I've been doing. I don't do X/Twitter or TikTok. Bluesky very occasionally when I remember, FB & WhatsApp too many groups to leave. But I do attempt not to go on everyday or take regular breaks from FB and have a strong habit of muting WhatsApp groups so I'm not being pinged all day everyday, so control access. I do spend far too much time on my PC but that is somewhat necessary, but I do try and take chunks of time away from it and sometimes whole days.
The fact that you got signifcantly more writing done without Instagram is huge. That creative focus boost is worth way more than the casual entertainmnt. The lonliness piece is real though, social media has definitely replaced some of the incidental social connections we used to have.
I agree, the increase in my flow-state writing was remarkable, and worth giving up IG!
I was wondering about the social connection thing, too. Would I have found it much easier if I was in the city, with plenty of opportunities to connect with friends? I’ll try it and see! I am a very outgoing person, so I typically really get a lot out of little friendly chats with strangers when I’m in a city.
My socials. I have instagram, but only go on when I get direct messages from friends to say check out this or that I've been doing. I don't do X/Twitter or TikTok. Bluesky very occasionally when I remember, FB & WhatsApp too many groups to leave. But I do attempt not to go on everyday or take regular breaks from FB and have a strong habit of muting WhatsApp groups so I'm not being pinged all day everyday, so control access. I do spend far too much time on my PC but that is somewhat necessary, but I do try and take chunks of time away from it and sometimes whole days.
Love that discipline!
I'd probably have a breakdown if I didn't... 🤣🤣