Because life after social media is lighter, richer, and just more enjoyable

It’s not easy to put down the phone. For many of us, it has almost become an extension of ourselves. Some people even carry it on a chain around their neck or attach a micro version to their wrists. Most of us can’t leave the house without it—and our heart stops when we think we’ve misplaced it.

It’s not our fault. The phone is shiny, expensive, alluring. And companies are literally spending millions of dollars to keep us hooked. You know which ones: social media companies.

Facebook. Instagram. Snapchat. Dare I say, TikTok. The bad boys patrolling the Internet, luring you in with funny memes and clickbait—and then making off with your time, money, and in many cases, self-esteem.

It wasn’t always like this. When many of us created our first social media accounts, we were doing it to stay in touch with friends and share family photos, i.e., connect with others.

Now, most of that connection is lost. Most days, our algorithm feeds us rage-bait that spikes our blood pressure and makes that pit in our stomach grow tenfold. (You know, that old friend, existential dread.) On top of that, it pushes unrealistic and unattainable standards for beauty, wealth, and everything in between that leave us doubting ourselves, at best, and hating ourselves, at worst.

And of course, advertisements. Everywhere, all the time, popping up and flashing with all sorts of different sounds. Because even though it’s never worked before, maybe buying this one very specific next thing will bring us that unattainable happiness we’ve long strived for.

Sound familiar?

As depressing and hopeless as it can feel sometimes to live an increasingly digital world, we do have a choice: We can disconnect. We can stop using social media.

I don’t mean forever. I still use Facebook Messenger to talk to my friends. I share my writing on Instagram and Pinterest. I like logging into Facebook every few months and seeing my old co-workers share updates about traveling or getting married or having kids.

But we can choose to use social media in a way that serves us, instead of letting it abuse us. I’ll show you how—or at least what’s worked for me.

THE SHORTLIST: How to stop using social media

• ​5 strategies to stop using social media (without deleting your accounts)
• ​Productive apps instead of social media to help you replace the urge to scroll
• ​Substitutes for social media, whether you use social media to connect with others, relax, be entertained, or follow the news
• ​Understanding why it’s so hard to stop using social media (it’s not your fault)
• ​4 steps to quit social media that worked for me

MORE ARTICLES ON ANALOG LIVING

• ​What to Do Instead of Social Media​
• ​How to Live a More Analog Life: 5 easy, cheap (or free) ideas​
• ​5 Alternatives to Amazon for Books (and why I no longer buy books from Amazon)​

To living a less distracted life,

Merry

NOW GO ON YOUR MERRY WAY...

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