Ways to 'de-digitalise' in 2026?

[TheAlcott]

I deleted all of my social media accounts this year, so am no longer on FB, Instagram or Tiktok and have felt SO much better for it. I've also really tried to cut down on eg Amazon use etc., and shop much more in person (cuts down on random online purchases I don't really need).

For Christmas I've even asked for an old-fashioned address book and I am really going to try and revive letter-writing / card sending, particularly for friends and family who live miles away. I've relied way too much on just dropping a quick WhatsApp and, whilst this is undeniably useful, I think getting a card or note through the post is just so darned lovely.

I'm.not a Luddite or anti-tech at all (I'm writing this on my phone after all!) But I was wondering if anyone else has done similar, or perhaps has any suggestions for other ways to move away from an over-reliance on my phone for, well, everything!

I completely cut out social media about 2 years ago and honestly i feel so much better.

The only 'social' i have is whatsapp but thats to stay in touch with people as post isnt reliable these days. I got a letter from early november the other day, so i dont trust royal mail to get my letters to anyone who doesnt live close by until maybe 2028?

The relief i felt coming away from social media was amazing, it was like a heavy weight had lifted, there was so much sadness, anger and anxiety when i was using social media unfortunately thats the world for you these days. Its all death and despair, thats what the news is for afterall.

To come away and see who actually mattered, who wanted to be part of your life, who didnt just want to nosey for the sake of you being on their friends list. It is really amazing.

I make sure to the people who matter and who actually wanted to keep in touch, we make plans to see each other when we're free, for me thats currently been put on hold since i have a new born, hes only 3 weeks old.

But hopefully in the new year i'll be seeing those people again and changing my plans completely from pubs/bars to meals/coffee dates with my baby.

I feel like having whatsapp helps to keep in touch with people who matter though, those who dont live nearby who i enjoy speaking to! Good luck with your socials cleanse! You'll see a different world!

I agree with you regarding the weight that's lifted when you come off social media. I used to be addicted to Twitter / X and just found myself getting so angry all the time! Unfortunately I'm still addicted to MN but at least I can pick and choose what I engage with a bit more rather than being fed things by an algorithm.

True enough about the mail service (and it's expensive) but I used to love writing / receiving letters or cards through the post and I'm really feeling as if its something I want to revive. A slightly slower, more personal way of communicating, I guess.