How to "give up" social media?

[jamrolypolyandcustard]

Apologies if this isn't the correct topic area, I have FB though I don't have "friends" on it and only use it for my DS school group, keeping up to date with local news/info from our local farm that my DS enjoys watching their animal updates.

However Instagram I am having some trouble with "giving up".. I have tried and did very well deleting my account for two weeks but then went straight back on it.. I just don't "want" it and never post anything, just find myself doom scrolling.

Any tips, advice or success stories? I have real FOMO over it sometimes.

Gosh that sounds so stupid, but anyone I want to communicate with or catch up with is always via text or call so I have no "need" for it.

Thank you! :)

I deleted Facebook and Instagram after Christmas! I don't want to know what people are up to any more unless I see them in person, nobody I'm close to posts anything anyway but I feel quite disconnected at the moment though I haven't really missed it. Almost need some kind of substitute for it!

I only have instagram and Facebook on my tablet, not my phone. It has really helped limit my use

@lisa5795 it's certainly a strange feeling! I feel like I'm slightly cheating as I still have FB but I only use it for ordering through local shops etc that advertise on Facebook and as mentioned, keeping up to date with what's going on within DS school. I don't have "friends" on it, have hidden my profile and no one can friends request me.

I have however just started a new series (Call the Midwife) which my DP isn't keen on and I have started reading again (to kick the habit of doom scrolling at night) so this is keeping me very occupied! 😂

A creative hobby is good for keeping busy, especially in the evenings. But one way to reinforce the rationale, learn about the dopamine system and how social media influences the brain. It is absolutely terrifying.
I find both these guys a little annoying, and am not totally convinced yet, but it is something to think about.

This article, though focusing specifically on TikTok also has some good arguments against mindless social media use.
https://www.gurwinder.blog/p/tiktok-may-be-a-chinese-bio-weapon