I see the world (& people) differently now

About 8 months ago, I deleted my social apps. Everyone around me acted like it was some sort of extreme act. Many even made comments like “you’ll be back”. But the truth is, I don’t miss it one bit.

My life has improved exponentially. My brain doesn’t feel like it’s constantly buzzing anymore & I’ve regained the ability to formulate original thoughts. I’ve even saved money bec I’m not being bombarded with ads all day long! I no longer feel like I *need* this or that so my life could “improve”. Turns out, my life doesn’t really need that much improving. I just needed to be more present in it.

One of the things that’s really surprised me as a result of this is how I see myself & others now. When I look in the mirror, I’m much happier with what I see. My first thoughts are more likely to be positive rather than critical.

When it comes to others, it’s like I can just tell who’s deep in the social media realm & who isn’t-just by looking at them. The way they hold themselves, speak, laugh, dress, etc. & I’m not knocking it at all, to each their own. Hell, I used to be the same way. But it just seems like they’re wearing a mask. Like they’re all wearing the same mask. I’ve also been able to notice how much of the things they do are centered around taking pics/posting it. I go out to eat & I wait as everyone takes a picture. I go for a hike & it’s being filmed more than it’s being enjoyed. I don’t complain, it doesn’t bother me, but I just notice it. If anything, it makes me kind of sad. They’re here but they’re not really here.

There have been times when I hop back on for a few minutes at a time mainly to take a look at my old posts. I don’t recognize that person anymore, truly. It was like I was a character of myself. It’s crazy to see & experience, I don’t know how else to explain it. & in those times, I can’t stand the scroll. It’s just one doomsday post followed by an ad & followed by a character of someone else. It feels… empty, sad, meaningless & kind of dark.

I thought I was just decreasing screen time when I decided to remove those apps. But I gained so much more, more than I could even put into words!