Page 2 | To delete all social media

strawlight · 13/05/2025 10:34

I deleted all but Facebook. Twitter is just a cess pit and Insta was making me hate people I like in real life. I also culled a load of people and hid several more, so now I have a nice streamlined FB page.

Soukmyfalafel · 13/05/2025 10:39

Go for it. Social media is a farcical shit show.

I wish I could get rid of MN too sometimes as the bigoted twats/humanbotfarmcattle seem to infiltrate here. It has helped and hindered me in equal measure, so it's hard to walk away. I've had some great advice on here sometimes.

Purplebunnie · 13/05/2025 10:39

I use FB for hobbies and other interests, rarely post. Twatter got deleted a couple of months ago but I rarely went into that cess pit. Instagram: hobbies and other interests - architecture old budlings and also for sharing things with DC and vice versa.

JHound · 13/05/2025 10:40

MikeRafone · 13/05/2025 10:16

find life is supremely better also, I avoid the bigotry and intense racism that is the norm now on social media. I logged into FB as I needed to get some photos to show my hairdresser.

I think this is the crux of it

i just want a group page for people I know not all the mass click bait

It used to be like that. Back in the good old days when the only things I saw on my FB and Instagram were the pages of friends / businesses / people I deliberately chose to follow. Then it became a cesspit.

Apparently you can apply restrictions on FB to recreate that though I have not looked into it as I don’t use it now.

Instagram it’s not possible so I just avoid it.

JHound · 13/05/2025 10:44

stressedandamess · 13/05/2025 09:50

“Comparison is the thief of joy” and i wholeheartedly believe this. I keep meaning to delete them all but I’ve been procrastinating about it. I see so many of my friends and family doing great things and I’m just home alone with my 2 kids. I guess I have major FOMO so that’s why I haven’t done it yet

The other reason to delete it! Both ways. I have found myself being depressed envying others…..but then have spoken to friends who have confided in me “you have the life I want”….in reference to a period when I was dealing with depression!

😂

Social media is just people’s highlights reel and it is easy to forget that.

Well1mBack · 13/05/2025 10:48

I deleted my Facebook account back in 2017 just before I got married. I couldn't be bothered with it anymore it was impacting my ability to switch off and enjoy life. I never joined twitter or Instagram or Snapchat or tic tok.

All I've got is Pinterest and even then it's completely private and I just create boards for my interests to help me when I am shopping.

I had a few friends who moaned at first but they got used to it. I use mostly text and WhatsApp to keep up to date with photos/group chats. And even then I mute a lot of them if it's nonsense.

I actually have a lot of friends and I always keep in touch and I don't feel isolated or left out. It's definitely kept me away from the craziness of the online world.

CMRE · 13/05/2025 10:49

ItGhoul · 13/05/2025 10:28

I know people are saying 'I don't count Mumsnet / Reddit as social media' but they are absolutely social media. It doesn't matter that it's anonymous (most social media is, or at least can be, anonymous) - it's still fulfilling the function of talking to other people online and getting the same dopamine hit from updated threads, replies etc.

Agreed! They absolutely are social media and can be an enormous time drain too.

OP I use an app that blocks all SM (including mumsnet!) at certain times of the day, which you can set. At first it irritated me and I kept trying to override it and this just made me realise how much time I was wasting on SM. I’m much better now, I know my times I can use SM (3 x1 hr periods a day - which still feels like loads!) and for the rest of the day it’s blocked and now I just forget about it. Lots more walking and reading happening here!

dollyblue01 · 13/05/2025 10:56

Deleted everything, I no longer cared what other people were doing and decided not to waste anymore of my precious time on social media, my Dp has it all, that’s his choice.
life is peaceful no one asking why you’ve not replied or seen this, some people have said it’s odd to have none ha, but I couldn’t care less a private life is a happy life, if I want you to know anything I’ll share it personally with you.
id never go back too busy enjoying living and no wondering or caring what other people do, most of it’s fake anyway tbf

MollyRedSkirtsChandler · 13/05/2025 11:07

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Soukmyfalafel · 13/05/2025 11:13

I've never used Instagram as you have to sign up to really look at it. I thought it was just a place people go to where they can brag. I avoid community whatsapp groups like the plague too as it is just people moaning about trivial things, and people on ego trips trying to manage everyones behaviour. I am very isolated because of it, but if i ever do come across anything on SM, I appreciate the isolation. It has made me less social I think, because it is competitive and argumentative. I can't compete with anyone and I don't want an arguement either.

I do use YouTube admittedly, but even now it is becoming just a junk heap of people's anger and brain farting.

Social media will kill itself eventually. The quality of content has gone downhill so much in the last couple of years because it has become more and more monetised, and seen as a vehicle to create behaviour change and propaganda. In years to come we will be amused at how manipulated we were by it. It will just end up with ego maniacs and angry people in an echo chamber left arguing amongst themselves and the rest of us will check out and get on with our lives. Many of us are getting nostalgic about simpler times and getting rid of SM is a quick win for that.

ImaginedCorners · 13/05/2025 11:18

Soukmyfalafel · 13/05/2025 11:13

I've never used Instagram as you have to sign up to really look at it. I thought it was just a place people go to where they can brag. I avoid community whatsapp groups like the plague too as it is just people moaning about trivial things, and people on ego trips trying to manage everyones behaviour. I am very isolated because of it, but if i ever do come across anything on SM, I appreciate the isolation. It has made me less social I think, because it is competitive and argumentative. I can't compete with anyone and I don't want an arguement either.

I do use YouTube admittedly, but even now it is becoming just a junk heap of people's anger and brain farting.

Social media will kill itself eventually. The quality of content has gone downhill so much in the last couple of years because it has become more and more monetised, and seen as a vehicle to create behaviour change and propaganda. In years to come we will be amused at how manipulated we were by it. It will just end up with ego maniacs and angry people in an echo chamber left arguing amongst themselves and the rest of us will check out and get on with our lives. Many of us are getting nostalgic about simpler times and getting rid of SM is a quick win for that.

Instagram is whatever you make it, but my impression is that it’s where most arts organisations etc now do the flagging of upcoming stuff, current programmes, booking open for X type stuff that used to be on FB. That’s why I use it. I only follow cultural organisations, local theatres, arthouse cinema, festivals, book events on it. I have a pleasant, not not overly big feed of upcoming events, exhibitions, films etc when I go on to it. It’s a pleasant way of keeping abreast of things I like doing. Not a ‘brag’ in sight.

Jumpingthruhoops · 13/05/2025 11:18

BodenCardiganNot · 13/05/2025 09:40

Don't have any social media and never missed it. And I don't count MN as social media.

MN is totally social media!

ImaginedCorners · 13/05/2025 11:18

Soukmyfalafel · 13/05/2025 11:13

I've never used Instagram as you have to sign up to really look at it. I thought it was just a place people go to where they can brag. I avoid community whatsapp groups like the plague too as it is just people moaning about trivial things, and people on ego trips trying to manage everyones behaviour. I am very isolated because of it, but if i ever do come across anything on SM, I appreciate the isolation. It has made me less social I think, because it is competitive and argumentative. I can't compete with anyone and I don't want an arguement either.

I do use YouTube admittedly, but even now it is becoming just a junk heap of people's anger and brain farting.

Social media will kill itself eventually. The quality of content has gone downhill so much in the last couple of years because it has become more and more monetised, and seen as a vehicle to create behaviour change and propaganda. In years to come we will be amused at how manipulated we were by it. It will just end up with ego maniacs and angry people in an echo chamber left arguing amongst themselves and the rest of us will check out and get on with our lives. Many of us are getting nostalgic about simpler times and getting rid of SM is a quick win for that.

Instagram is whatever you make it, but my impression is that it’s where most arts organisations etc now do the flagging of upcoming stuff, current programmes, booking open for X type stuff that used to be on FB. That’s why I use it. I only follow cultural organisations, local theatres, arthouse cinema, festivals, book events on it. I have a pleasant, not not overly big feed of upcoming events, exhibitions, films etc when I go on to it. It’s a pleasant way of keeping abreast of things I like doing. Not a ‘brag’ in sight.

Seamond · 13/05/2025 11:22

I don't use Facebook, any of the stuff attached to it or any other SM where you use your own name. I use MN, Reddit and Digital Spy as they are anonymous forums.

ImaginedCorners · 13/05/2025 11:24

Jumpingthruhoops · 13/05/2025 11:18

MN is totally social media!

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It really isn’t. None of us knows who anyone is on here, so it’s not a way of connecting with people we know, seeing what they’re up to, liking or commenting on their graduation photos or holiday pictures or new puppy or whatever.

Jumpingthruhoops · 13/05/2025 11:27

ImaginedCorners · 13/05/2025 11:24

It really isn’t. None of us knows who anyone is on here, so it’s not a way of connecting with people we know, seeing what they’re up to, liking or commenting on their graduation photos or holiday pictures or new puppy or whatever.

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It's still social media: you are connecting socially with others online. Doesn't matter if you know/don't know them.

Artrunner · 13/05/2025 14:06

smarSarah · 13/05/2025 09:21

Contemplating deleting everything, I only use Instagram but am wondering if life would be better without it at all. If you’ve done this can you tell me if it’s honestly made much of a difference to your life or if you end up feeling out of the loop with friends and family

It is absolutely liberating! I did it in Feb and no i don't miss it!

Katiegibson410 · 13/05/2025 14:12

In my opinion, it definitely helps. I'm not staring at my phone when I should be outside and enjoying time with the people actually in my life who I love. I feel a lot better and healthier because I'm getting more sun too. I'm not spending my money on crap that looks cool and my family is actually following suit. I love it. Definitely worth at least taking a break.

Veryloudjag · 13/05/2025 14:20

smarSarah · 13/05/2025 09:21

Contemplating deleting everything, I only use Instagram but am wondering if life would be better without it at all. If you’ve done this can you tell me if it’s honestly made much of a difference to your life or if you end up feeling out of the loop with friends and family

Hi, I deleted all my social media accounts apart from Instagram 2 years ago and it's the best thing I've done in a long time 🙂

Notashamed13 · 13/05/2025 14:24

Best thing I ever did! About 6 years now and no regrets

Soukmyfalafel · 13/05/2025 14:31

ImaginedCorners · 13/05/2025 11:18

Instagram is whatever you make it, but my impression is that it’s where most arts organisations etc now do the flagging of upcoming stuff, current programmes, booking open for X type stuff that used to be on FB. That’s why I use it. I only follow cultural organisations, local theatres, arthouse cinema, festivals, book events on it. I have a pleasant, not not overly big feed of upcoming events, exhibitions, films etc when I go on to it. It’s a pleasant way of keeping abreast of things I like doing. Not a ‘brag’ in sight.

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I was talking about in general. Obviously there will be individual differences in how people use it. I have hardly been on there and that was just my first impression of it that's all.

Chiseltip · 13/05/2025 14:37

SM has been one of, if not THE most damaging forms of "entertainment" ever devised. It's utterly toxic. An entire generation of children/young adults now have a 30 second attention span. The use of filters has quite literally altered their perception of reality. If it doesn't look beautiful enough, change the contrast, if you don't look pretty enough, use a filter, not thin enough, use an app to edit the picture. Reality pales in comparison.
There's even (I can't believe this) apps that give you the appearance of having Down's Syndrome, women are out there posting Gym selfie and passing themselves off as Down's, for likes!

I wouldn't just delete SM, it should be banned.

If smartphones were invented today, they would be banned, parents would be starting petitions, school leaders would be on the six o' clock news saying how it will become impossible to teach with the constant distraction and withdrawal anxieties. But instead, parents are buying them for their seven year old kids!

Pleaseshutthefuckup · 13/05/2025 14:37

It is life changing 🙏.

I use MN. I see this quite differently though.

I have a somewhat anonymous account on FB which is for various health groups. I have a slightly different name,no picture, no profile info and no friends. I refuse. My friends know I am here always via WhatsApp, or in person.

I never have to deal with the psychological stress of seeing friends do or say things and feeling confused, sometimes played, not knowing if I should 'like' or if I shouldn't. Not dealing with the soulless knowing that a like is a lazy empty gesture of pointlessness. There's so so much more I could say here.

Every conversation and meet up is much more important with depth and detail because I don't engage in any of that crap. I stopped and came away about 4 years ago.

Social Media is making us more and more detached and disconnected despite seeming to connect.

I also feel very proud of myself for standing alone in the crowd and not being bullied or swayed by anyone on this.

Try it.

MDTdottyT · 13/05/2025 16:17

I only have a few older family members in thier is/90s and friends I dont see very often on Facebook as they.like to know what.I am soingTbh it's not a lot.FB is also useful to find out about local events, carboots and table top sales etc
I quite like Instagram as it's just a snapshot with limited dialogue.
I find Social media can be used by bullies and people just generally sticking thier nose in.Keep it simple and purge your contacts and lead abetter life.

Bluedabadeeba · 13/05/2025 16:29

I did this a 15 years ago (albeit back then, it was only Facebook), and never felt out the loop or looked back. Best idea ever.

I'd recommend doing a 3 phase cull:

1- Delete EVERYONE you don't know personally (Sally from my year 9 history class, or Barry your neighbour from 6 years ago for example).

2 - Message friends in your wider circle you'd perhaps like to stay in touch with and pass them your email add or phone number.

3 - Message friends and family, tell them what you're doing and how best it is to contact you - and that you'll be messaging/ calling more to keep in touch.

Worked well for me.

Is WhatsApp social media? Well, I message friends and family there and probably know more about their lives than if I did see their posts on whatever. We do voice notes more and I randomly call/schedule a call more. I also don't keep in touch with randoms, because why would I!?