😟 Quitting social media, Instagram, forever for my mental health? What happened...why, how?

I needed a change. Instagram (& other social media platforms) can be great - until it's not. It can be great for self-expression, for resources, for connecting but if you don't keep it in check, it can creep up on you - it's literally designed to be that way, to give you that dopamine hit. Take care of yourself first! So I quit social media, Instagram particularly, sort of and put my mental health first. I definitely broke the habit though and regained control of my life. What an energy and time drain.
Did this help my productivity? My anxiety? Did I find myself? Find out in the video!
Also some people have been asking about the instrument at the beginning, it's called a handpan and though I purchased mine locally because I didn't want to wait for shipping, I was very close to purchasing this one amzn.to/3iYIITE
If you need help detoxing or having in-app timer reminders, I've been using the Minimalist phone launcher (Android only) this link gives you unlimited custom theme + no time trial www.minimalist...
▬ 2 month update ▬▬▬
Have gone on here and there to post something and check my messages cuz some friends still write me on there, but I don't stay on for long and then I uninstall it again. That anxious feeling is almost completely gone - pretty crazy how this is literally an addiction playing with your dopamine.
Quitting Social Media Part 2 • Quitting Social Media,...
Replaced with good habits, My Self-care routine: • ❤️ My Morning Daily SE...
Personal Development School Review: • 💜 Personal Development...
Journaling: • How JOURNALING can CHA...
Therapy: • How to FIND A GOOD THE...
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Talk about phone boundaries open.spotify.c...
Interesting Comparison video, if you’re feeling behind in life • If you’re feeling behi...
Digital Minimalism • Digital Minimalism wit...
TED TALK quit social media (shorter version) • Quit social media | Dr...
This relates to some of what I talked about, they refer to as artificial intimacy www.theguardia...
▬ ☕️ how you can help 🙏 ▬▬▬
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All opinions are my own and are meant for entertainment purposes only.
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Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:36 Why'd I quit?
4:22 Quitting Instagram specifically
4:30 Cold Turkey Quitting
6:27 Good habits
8:46 Results
13:59 Will I go back?

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/imGwd2V6aN2EaNU I'd love to talk more about mental health, I'm on quite the journey of healing, self-worth, discovery. What else would you like to hear about?

[@gregw9045]

Just keep sharing your insights and journey. A podcast with others that are sharing the same journey or struggling with their mental health would be informative.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

@@gregw9045 I just got a new video idea :) 💡 you better be subscribed so you don't miss it 😉

[@jakekadubeck5456]

@Jess Cuz hey 👋 I really appreciated seeing someone actually choosing to cut out social media and it actually enriching their life. I checked out your channels topics n interests. We're into lot of the same things. I love coffee! Biking, tech stuff and self improvement and minimalism. I don't want to put my personal email on here. Is there anyway we could be pen pals and chat sometime? I'd enjoy sharing my experiences with you vise versa. Lmk..lol

[@lmusima3275]

I began the Instagram detox in June this year as I found myself feeling fed up and unhappy ☹️ with the amount of fakeness I found. I felt too disconnected even with those who claimed to be good friends. They hardly ever reached out, liked or viewed my stories. I disappeared for 5 weeks then I reopened it for 2 weeks. Wasting time scrolling and looking through what people posted. I posted a story that I’m leaving. 50 or 60 people saw it and only 2 people responded, messaged me and gave me their contact details. Then I decided to permanently delete which it will be wiped out by next week. Yes people don’t care and they’re so self absorbed with their lives. So I’d leave them to it. I’m not sharing my photos or my life with them ever again.

[@nourishingword8767]

Yes can completely relate!

[@ciaramc_121]

Can relate also.. how did you get off and stay off? I keep going off it then “justify” going on again.

[@vanessayo4394]

I agree with what you said. I had the same experience. I’m better off not being part of the IG platform. I’m a lot less stressful. Fake friends following just to criticize your life. Especially coworkers 😒

[@mariacarmona4508]

@@ciaramc_121 how you could do it is start off with deleting the main thing you get on.. so for me I deleted TikTok first.. then when you have successfully gone days w/o going on TikTok.. delete the next most thing you use.. keep going like this an eventually you will be completely social media free. Ik you didn’t ask me but id thought I’d tell you how I did it! Hope this helps 😊

[@Cardinal15]

Yup it’s a waste of time, people don’t care.

[@richardeliasjames5190]

Hi everyone, I deleted my Facebook and Insta and everythings... over 6 years ago, never looked back! When I run into people, they say I fell off the map. THANK YOU! Smart people keep their private lives PRIVATE!

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

ironically you "fell off the map" but probably found yourself in the process

[@CHRISTALMOUNTAIN]

Yea,

[@MrDatta10]

Agree. We do not need to share everything on social media. Many things are better kept private.

[@shauncastertroy2534]

I want this!

[@erikagaleana9340]

wow. love it!!

[@edlynpz]

it’s funny I quit my Instagram not so long ago. And the things that I was telling my self it was that no body cares what I post and I didn’t care what everybody else was posting… Nobody really cares…

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I mean some people do care, but I find the ones that do are the closer ones to me and we have other means of communication anyway. I am missing a lot of stuff or regular chatting by commenting and seeing what some acquaintances are up to so there is a bit of disconnect but I've reconnected more with myself instead

[@jstarASMR3103]

Exactly!

[@cia6880]

Exactlybhahahaa

[@choccococo7224]

Yeah because it's fucking pointless we all have our own lives.

[@BriaBarrows]

They don’t. I finally got tired and deleted the app from my phone. I’ll only use it for content

[@governmentnameunknown8960]

When you wake up the following day after making the decision to quit social media, you come to the realisation that you've been spending every morning of your life mindlessly scrolling on social media apps as soon as you wake up.

[@jasonnehceis3267]

I especially love how you are posting here on social media how you deleted all your social media.🤣

[@greenmarker830]

Quiting Instagram was like dropping a bag of heavy luggage. I feel alot more centered in my life now that I have control over my sources of entertainment. If your thinking about it do it, you get to live life for yourself not for the gram.

[@SarahButterfly1992]

Just deleted it last week, feel so much lighter. You’re so self aware such a great thing.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

It's been a long journey and inner work, still on it! Still discovering

[@CHRISTALMOUNTAIN]

C’mon stop acting confused and indecisive .

[@BriaBarrows]

And honestly, I know this is true because of human nature and I have empathy for those who are working through these emotions, but some people on social media are absolutely not in your corner. They just lurk, never comment, never uplift. They just wanna see what you got going on.

[@pukkademps]

“They just want to see what you got going on”

[@BriaBarrows]

@@pukkademps it’s a fact sis!

[@nocturnalnikkole3448]

I deleted it last month and I noticed I'm more focused and my creativity flow has returned.😆 I felt that there was this weird draining force that started to creep up on me this year So I decided it was time to leave so I could protect my energy. I was able to get some things accomplished in sharing my arts though but after a while It's started to get repetitive and people get weird when they see your like count goes up.

[@carolina-vl2cj]

a week after deleting insta, i feel the same, as if a weird draining force is gone.. i don’t know how to describe it.. i’m more self aware and even quit smoking weed😆

[@athmiyavenkatesh7907]

It is really nice that you were able to cut off something toxic from your life and that is helping you. The temptation is strong so I wish you strength.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Thank you :) it's crazy how much awareness can make all the difference

[@CHRISTALMOUNTAIN]

I Never installed or will install instagram. Bye!

[@jakekadubeck5456]

Congrats. It's been over 2 years. I don't miss Any of it. I feel quite normal and fulfilled compared to people who are obsessed with their online identities who seem anxious, neurotic and just empty inside trying to compete with others fake identity. It's a sickness of the mind for those who lose themselves in the narcissistic feedback loop of the **me** obsession. Plus my relationships with the people in my life have improved and deepened significantly after I quit social media. Social media itself isn't an evil thing. It's the human capacity to become self obsessed that's where the problem stems from...among other psychological factors and influences it has on people's mental stability and functionalities.

[@alyzak.8997]

I never made an insta, snapchat or facebook account because I saw how toxic it was and changing the people around me when I was young.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Funny thing is I installed instagram the first time back in the day because I was home bound from a snowboard injury and bored. And then it took over my life again when I was home bound another time wirh covid.

[@444truthteller]

Instagram is becoming like MySpace to me now. Everybody post fake happy stuff, everybody is flashing something, everybody is over sharing their lives. I’m over it. I’m back to KZbin like I was back in the day.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Well hopefully you're subscribed and will see you around :p as for. Instagram, ya def. I don't follow many people, mostly close friends and mental health accounts and a lot of my friends are spiritual now and couldn't care less about the platform so they don't post

[@_TonyCrossroads]

Dope video. I deleted all of my social media accounts (Instagram, facebook) a month ago and honestly I’ve been thinking about just going completely off the grid. I noticed that scrolling through the apps wasn’t conducive to my happiness and started making me compare my life to others. I’d rather just not keep up with the Jones’ and although I would use my account to post history posts-I just don’t really care anymore lol.

[@ellona3645]

I was cleaning my feed and unfollowed/removed people with no bad intentions. Then suddenly this girl who I haven't seen for 10 years/only met twice told my dad. She literally thinks I hate her or something. She clearly was stalking me cause how will she know hahah. My parents are friends with her parents, I think it's just weird that I need to be friends with her just cause. Now I DEACTIVATED IT and feel at peace.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

good for you! You gotta do what is right for you

[@jstarASMR3103]

Omg! When I take social media breaks, I’m always going into my weather app🤣 glad to know I’m not the only one

[@nataliaguzmanpainen4291]

I quit instagram more than a year ago, I ocassionally go online for a couple of minutes and I can see changes in my behavior and overall well being. On the other hand, I replaced Instagram with youtube and I binge videos everyday, I feel better, but I'm also fully aware that it's an issue. I've been trying to reduce my screen time and I've been doing a good job. Some days are harder than others but I'm super glad I got rid of Instagram because it was killing my self steem. I like to watch videos of doing the same thing 'cause it keeps me motivated! Great video btw

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I'm obviously not a therapist and I don't know your situation but I'd say if you're watching quality content that is helpful on KZbin in terms of skills or self development and are actually applying it (VS watching it like entertainment) then it's not bad per say cuz you've filled that time with something that is improving and adding to your life but if it's just prank videos or something and nothing but that, then that is another form of distraction

[@nataliaguzmanpainen4291]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee yeah, I try to keep it balanced, but somedays I can only waste my time watching memes and silly videos. Although, since I'm not a native english speaker, I could argue that even watching memes in another language is "useful". Thanks for replying!

[@dorydeviance3774]

The best moments that I experienced in the recent past was never broadcasted. Social media is a popularity contest with no substance.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I think that's an overarching statement that is not completely untrue but not completely true either. I think it's great to celebrate achievements, success, your friends, and it's a great place to find likeminded people and good self-development IG pages. But it depends how you're using it, why you're using it, how the people you follow are you using it, why you're following those people, etc. In short, depends on your mental health, your awareness, what media you consume. But it definitely can become a trap if you're not careful.

[@dorydeviance3774]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee Thanks for the input Jess. I wanted to contribute something here in the comments because you made some valid points in the video.

[@shawnjenkins2635]

Totally agree with you I've been watching ppl change in so many toxic ways every since Facebook came out,it has destroyed 2 good relationships and family quarrels, it's sad but I'm learning faster than ever ,

[@thatkurdy]

I’ve quit finally now and I couldn’t of done anything better. Since I’ve stopped using any social media apps, I’ve felt better and now live more in reality. It feels so good to be away from these different social media platforms.

[@johnnytsunami3558]

Still away ?

[@ChoppyJames]

I used to be doing great in life about 2-3 years ago, or in other words I was just simply more fulfilled. I’ve been using Instagram a lot more than I ever have over the last year about and my mental health and overall quality of life has been terrible. I came to the realization that I was doing far better back then because I was never on Instagram, I actually had the mental space to think of ideas and act on them and make my life a movie. When your brain is constantly occupied and overwhelmed by Instagram you start to just lose yourself and become a nobody trying to be a somebody on the internet.

[@GeorgiexoxoTV]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I left Instagram earlier this year. I really don't miss it at all and 100% identify with you re growing the outer social circle. I realised it was me doing this that had made me feel such inner loneliness. So happy you featured Cal Newport's work. His book was such an important tool for me in the early days. xoxo

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I sometimes miss it, I've reinstalled, posted, Uninstalled here and there and sometimes hours later, I realize that story was so not necessary (I'll even sometimes go back just to delete it) and the dopamine hit gets less and less worth it. I remember when I was happy they added stories feature so I could post the random stuff there instead of on my more intentional post section, now I realize how stories was the beginning of the end.

[@seasons1146]

Hi. Good job. But dont you miss your fav art pages? Food bloggers? Bookstagram? Etc etc ? Cuz its those thing that are holding me. Got any tips?

[@QuittingYoutube24]

I ended up quitting after the Suggestion Post and Reels took over last summer so after being off for 5 months I thought it was time to delete my account since Instagram is no longer interesting anymore especially with these new features!😑

[@DaniDangg]

I never realised it until i got sick for almost 3 months (covid and panic attacks) and my grandma banned me from using my phone. I used to be super addicted to it. I dont actually know how I survived the first days without social media but i remember crying and sneaking in to get my phone. As day passed by, my days feel longer. I started to actually feel what a "normal" day and life is. I am never been this fulfilled. I am now back with my phone but i dont think i will on facebook and insta.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

That's great! Putting your mental health first, I have instagram again and check every now and then but my relationship to it and how I feel when using it is completely different

[@H0wlrunn3r]

Me and my brother quit at the same time. We spent this year cutting toxic people out of our lives, we started eating right, learning how to cook, seriously exercising 6 days a week, getting up at 5:30 AM everyday and making the most of life. But what enabled all that was learning stoicism. Marcus Aurelius, Senaca, Epictitus, etc all were huge influences for us. It was inevitable that we target social media as the next boss fight at some point. I can say that I have found unshakable peace in my soul by doing all this. These algorithms are designed to use you like cattle by studying your every move and feeding you exactly what want and then gaslighting you a little in random ways through content displayed on screen. Our brains love it! But look what it’s done to our society.

[@aeoligarlic4024]

This video was posted during the time i start to quit social media. Honestly love your insights and i also gained several points i didn't get from other "quitting social media" videos! The way refresh mechanism mimics slot machine to trying to fill the social media void, everything just speaks to me 🙌

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I feel like understanding that it's not your fault you're addicted is an important fact cuz it's literally designed to be and once you see through that, you're more aware

[@radicallychill8401]

I really loved your video. I recently made a video on my channel talking about why I quit social media too. I've been off of social media for 5 years now and will probably never go back. Instagram was literally destroying my mental health. It all just seemed so forced, fake and artificial. Since I've been off of social media I feel more human and like I am free to live my life for me and be my truest self.

[@laiyne4363]

The Social Dilemma is worth watching too. It motivated me to do some research on this

[@dgh5223]

I was off social media for the first 40 years of my life. Life was good.

[@madkittyjoey70]

10 months ago I deleted my Facebook account and I don't regret it! I got irritated and jealous whenever I saw posts of everybody else's good stuff and I started feeling like I was Charlie Brown. After watching a bunch of videos about this subject, I developed an impulse to quit FB and acted out on it. I'm never going back! The only social media I use now is KZbin and occasionally Twitter.

[@carfincap]

I truly hope my daughters can reflect like you. Before they lose the ability to literally feel pain without it. Xo

[@Cory-zn5mq]

I feel similar the interactions started to feel cheap and the news on the app was all that was to be shared instead of memories its like it follows you everywhere

[@AuthenticAwareness]

Love your video I recently made the same decision and I feel so free I really needed to let go and I don’t miss it at all I came to that dead end of just fed up with the brainwash and the drama on social media everyone and everything is so fake

[@reginafisher9919]

And I did the same thing and we're happier now more than ever, bye-bye toxicity.

[@justinseang3019]

I quit Instagram last month. It takes time to not look back depending on how severe the ghosting is to me.

[@riskyjuice5208]

Sometimes being addicted to something isn't bad as long you have control on it. If it is addicting and has become an escape from reality then that's when your addiction becomes a problem. For anyone who's struggling to quit addictions I hope for the best for you to overcome that challenge. It takes a lot of time. God bless!

[@lotto241]

If your addicted that means you have no control over it lol

[@Forevermj___]

Thankyou for your transparency! Its crazy that people feel this same way! I'm in this same boat and I don't think I will return. I've been off a week but am no stranger to unplugging but I don't think I want to go back. I want to know what I really like in life and get to know who I really am without the noise and non factor individuals who don't add any value to my life. I'm in a weird space and being off social media was the first cancer I had to rid. I'm so glad I found a room and community of people who feel the same way!

[@cmralph...]

Hi Jess - I'm a 66-year-old glass engraver & graphic artist - It does my heart good to see more and more people your age saying what I've been saying for years - Social Media is neither "Social" nor "Media" it is merely an echo chamber for society's worst impulses. A divisive and addictive product designed and maintained by wealthy corporations who really do not care who they harm as long as they make money. Social Media is 2021's version of Smoking Cigarettes. Thank you for your video.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

thank you for your input - I couldn't agree more. Curious to know how you landed on my video? Though I do agree there *can* be some good to social media, if you can be level headed about it and aware and for some visual artists and such it's an important part of displaying their work - I for one have used it more to post only more creative stuff than post *everything* like I was starting to do during the height of COVID (it was a rough time) but most people become a slave to it because they literally update it so it becomes more and more addictive. It's designed to be so - to play with our monkey selves.

[@Dobviews]

I dropped/deleted all of my social accounts in 2016. I have not missed the constant hate and vitriole. I now have just a YT channel to share my crochet patterns. Simple, less hate and I meet people more on a shared connection of the love of yarn from around the world. This improved the quality of my interactions and it isn't noise and hate. I do not showcase my face on my channel either. I do this because I see how facial software is developing and I fear the future of people stealing my identity by using stills from pics or videos. Each morning I have coffee and time to myself with a book or puttering in the garden. It is my relaxation time.

[@amahsenile]

So happy to hear about your experience, thank you for sharing! I found myself in a similar situation and I also caught myself going to the weather app for entertainment lol. I feel so much lighter and present now that I don't have social media! Keep us updated on your experience :)

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

thank you for the kind words! I didn't think of making a follow up video to this, might be a good idea

[@8691cc]

lol I thought I was a weirdo for looking at the weather app. Have u heard of weather vaporwave? U might like it . It’s like jazz music that play on the weather channel from the 80s & 90s.

[@cleveland216..]

I learned to use social media for connections instead of just scrolling on my down time

[@ceenuff]

This video is spot on! I Did the same, cutting Instagram out was healthy AF! Checked it maybe twice in last 6 months..... I Enjoy your vids 🙂

[@simplevisuals]

Really needed to hear this! Thank you 🙏🏻 I would really like to improve my mental health in 2022.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

do it! Take steps to honour your mental health and when you do, take moments to congratulate yourself

[@lux_atl]

Love your personality. I made a career on social media but I’m so over it as well.

[@emmahonkanen4572]

I'm happy and I enjoy living without most of social media, but it's hard to make new friends when you live in a small town in the middle of nowhere. One could think that it would be easier to make friends in a small town in the middle of nowhere, but nowadays everyone is so focused on their phones I find it hard to make good conversations and really get to know new people

[@nourishingword8767]

Same & I have severe social anxiety so it makes it even harder.

[@Livingingratitudeforever]

This is 100% me. I'm so glad I got off IG too. Congrats and thank you for sharing!

[@KrissyFizzle]

Please, just from starting the video and hearing you play that drum. I wasn't looking at the screen at first so thought it was put in music but the fact you were playing it makes it even more beautiful

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

What I replaced all the time wasting with, self care routine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXzOq6amerRoh5o PS: not quitting KZbin! Not now anyway. My channel has been such a great way to express (and meet my needs), share, and connect with all of you! It's been the opposite of draining - I love it here, it's been nothing but positive and nice. I don't see KZbin as social media, more as a resource and I wish to add to the wealth of information online :) thanks for checking in frenzzz

[@N8TURES]

Love the video thank for share. Where did you get your Handpan and what brand please ?

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

@@N8TURES I got mine at a local shop but I was about to purchase this one amzn.to/35igqf8

[@N8TURES]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee thx

[@terryrocks2j]

I still have blogger as a form of media but I refrain from creating arguments and use it as a platform to write my passions and keep busy. Instagram and FB, what upset me was that people like to argue for the sake of arguing. It's easy to fall into the trap as well. Even if you weren't at fault, somebody will still point that finger on you, rather just disagreeing or speak to you professionally, though some people will do the latter and I give them props in doing so. I realized I was wasting my time arguing and to see the rise of fakes who think who know everything. From what I researched, Instagram seems to be more for people who are really depressed. No where am I going to fall into that category. I've only uninstalled the programs and so far it's going ok. Hope I don't relapse. Like you, I think the whole Covid thing brought more anxious and depressed people onto the platform.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

glad to hear you found something working for you! I agree with what you've said. As I've worked on my inner peace through many ways, I've found myself no longer engaging with the trolls and prioritizing and protecting my energy. It's way better and then if you want to create real change, you have the energy to do so in the places that matter in ways that matter your own way :)

[@moanapooh9726]

Truly inspiringg, I'm planning to do the same thing as a 15 year old girl. Even tho most teens my age have it, i rather focus on myself. Not everyone has to to but for ME personally, ik that Instagram really decreased my creativity and who I really am. And not being there for my family. Got to the point I was self sabotaging myself every time I feel low in some points of my life. So, after years since 5 grade, till now 10 grade, I will quit.

[@cam1343]

I have been using social media since I was 13 and am 19 now. My advice is don't wait for social media to die be part of the reason it dies. I am finally getting burned out on it myself but your real friends will communicate with you whether ya got socials or not

[@rune.3918]

so proud of you

[@bellegraves]

I had deleted everything for awhile and learned a lot and then tried going back and I fell right back into the old habits in no time. I felt horrible about it as I had educated myself so much about what social media does to us in the first detox. I'm currently on day 46 (yep I keep a counter) without social media, take two. Decided to make this one a permanent cut. It really is amazing in those first few days watching yourself look for anything to do on your phone. My PGo account hasn't been this active in years lmao. All in all, social media is a quiet epidemic and I sincerely hope more of us wake up soon. Also that handpan looks badass, I need to try one someday!

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Thanks for sharing! It's good to check in with oneself and it's good you noticed it come back and practiced self discipline. I'm back on social but not in the same way, I don't have that dopamine running through my body, I felt it come back especially during work hours (work from home) so I set a limit on my phone to restrict the app during work, and it was hard at first then after a few days I wasn't reaching for it much. The other times I reach for it it's intentional and I'm in control and not out of boredom.

[@clairelewis7207]

I just found this video even though it’s 2 years old. I’m currently taking a break from instagram but I’m kind of liking the idea of not going back. I’m part of a book club and our group chat is on there, so that’s really the only thing making me think to redownload the app. I hate the feeling of constantly being accessible to people and yet almost no one ever reaches out. Maybe I will just silence notifications and only pop in to see what my bookclub is up to

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

better late than never! still very relevant, this, along with all the mental health work I really did that summer really have had lasting effects that I'm still benefiting from now. I am back on Instagram but not at all in the addictive way that I was before, some days I don't even open it. And if ever I sense I need to take a break, I know I can do this again. I installed Minimalist app actually that has an in app reminder timer as soon as I open Instagram so it keeps me on track

[@Goddess_erika]

Congratulations on letting go of something toxic. I have deleted my FB & IG accounts permanently for good as well. I’m more creative and free after that❤️

[@avgholson8143]

3:30 Omgosh I 1000% can relate. With Covid, I also lived and worked at home...alone. Joined back to Facebook and a year later regretted. Alot of my connections were peopl in my company and I felt like I could only post a certain/clean/ optimistic/inspirational curated version of myself. It was very 1 dimensional. I begin to feel like a fraud, even though my post were well-intentioned. Wearing a digital mask. I deleted my FB last week and not going back!

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

It's magical when you get out of that swirling vortex of terror and realize you can swim freely in the ocean

[@tifftreads]

I totally agree with this comment for sure. You feel like a fraud.

[@paranoia94]

Love the way you explained things. Thanks for sharing.

[@tionnaaura]

Just watched your video!! Been watching a variety of videos about social media because I think I’m finally ready to get rid of mine… I just can’t do it anymore it’s gotten old to me… And it’s such a distraction and so frustrating… Plus I think it really brings you down… I’m just over it. I’m an artist myself though so that’s what has made it so hard for me! I create music, which I have tons of it here and KZbin, but I also paint and design clothing and create jewelry…. I am thinking of just focusing on my KZbin channel

[@rhondabaroli2683]

Your house is beautiful. Thanks for posting

[@shorty004]

I can 100% relate to this video.🙏 we are awakening.🙏🌌 you are strong and self aware!! We are wasting our time on social media watching other people waste their time. Its not good. God did not create us to do that. We have lives to live in real time. The enemy wants us glued to our screens. He wants us self destructing from all of its chaos. Im spending the rest of my life looking up at the sky and not down at my screen! ❤️🙏

[@TheAmandasings077]

Social media is so pointless sometimes, it draines you, makes you angry etc

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I think if you have things that need healing from within and you're searching for them outwards like on social media, it can be unhealthy

[@prollyRB]

Thank you for this video. I've also considered taking a bit of a social media break and hopping on KZbin to release some thoughts so I appreciate the perspective here. Hope you're well and I'm looking forward to seeing your journey here.

[@samzins1983]

I normally don’t comment on things too often, but I wanted to say THIS IS AN AWESOME VIDEO!! Seriously. I had a similar experience around a half a year ago, and since then I’ve felt this wave of freedom wash over my life. Like you, I would wake up and first thing I would do is check Instagram, snapchat, tiktok, you name it. And looking back on it I realize how much time that took up! I’m not perfect, bc KZbin has become my downfall instead. One thing I noticed though, is that on KZbin, 85% of what I watch is something actually beneficial, not just mindless memes or videos. I’ve kind of started to do that technology minimalism that you mentioned without even knowing what it is, but now that I do, I think I’m going to take it a step further. But I would like your advice on one thing; what did/would you do to eliminate KZbin or at least minimize it in my life? While I do enjoy it and learn from it, I believe it still takes up too much of my time. Thank you for this video, I hope more people watch it bc everything you said is true and can improve quality of life greatly!

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

thanks for all the kind words Sam! You'll have to experiment and see how it works for you when it comes to KZbin, I mostly watch educational videos but sometimes I'll watch Buzzfeed for fun it's kind of 80/20 for me but I don't feel guilty about it because it's basically my TV time and entertainment and it's not preventing me from doing other things in life. I would say it depends on how you consume it, is it on your computer? your phone? phones have apps and limiters, or if you have multiple devices like an iPad that you're not always on, you can use that to watch KZbin so then it's very separate than on your phone for example. I mostly start a video on my phone then cast to my TV so it's really associated as "TV TIME" vs mindlessly being on my phone and then I set up a playlist. Or you an be intentional and set up some videos on the watch later playlist, watch only that and then when it's over and you don't let KZbin auto-play, you stop. Set timers, set a habit tracker, etc.! There are so many ways, it's about figuring out what works for you. Just be gentle on yourself while you figure it out, it may take a few tries, some back and forth, and you may slip sometimes. Progress, not perfection. And so long as you feel better, that's the overall thing to aim for.

[@samzins1983]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee Of course, it was a great watch! That’s similar to how I am, most of what I watch has to do with information of some sort, but there are times where I’ll watch things just for fun. KZbin is essentially TV for me as well, so the tactic you said about using KZbin only on an iPad or presenting it on a TV is a great idea actually. Kind of separating the experience from my phone therefore making it less of a natural tendency to just tap on it like how social media used to be. Making my phone a means of communication or needing to Google something rather than using it for entertainment purposes is something that would help me I believe. I really appreciate your response and I will try out a few of these ways to see if one does work for me. Being gentle on myself is something I’ve come a long way on and plan to keep furthering, so thank you for reminding me of that! It’s just the beginning of the journey. I hope you do the same!

[@GotyaSteph]

I like this and did the same because of chronic pain and fatigue I would scroll mindlessly now I’m more focused on my health

[@drc4168]

Bravo missus!!!!! I ditched Twitter (Academic Twitter was SUCH a drain) - I applaud your commitment to stay off these addictive (time-wasting) apps. I remember a life/childhood before the Internet- it was BLISS.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I'm actually back on Instagram but I don't have the addictive nature of it and limit my time with the Minimalist Phone app (I did a review on this). I don't have the same dopamine hit, I don't use it the same way, unfortunately some friends I only connect and keep tabs through there but there are also a lot of mental health resources I get daily doses of from there. The whole idea was to cleanse the addiction out of my system which I have :) and should I need another round, I know what to do but I've had a healthy relationship with it so far which I didn't think I'd ever get to

[@OriAlfassi]

What a great story Jess! Ive considered quitting instagram completely, this was so inspiring and insightful. thank you!

[@vedantsingla1721]

Do it, live without it for an year. Take this as a sign 🚀

[@hhholly]

I just quit social media. Instant improvement

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

What have you been doing in that time? In what ways have you felt better?

[@KaylaCoils]

I agree with the app telling you how much time you’ve been on .. that is a major problem!!! Im in the beginning process of never returning . It’s crazy I’ve been very productive like no other lol

[@el-hp1lj]

amazing knowing that there are millions of people in the world without any social following at all and functioning just fine in life. These platforms are a one way ticket to a depressed life unless you have strong willpower to keep usage in check. I never understood having multiple platforms. I have 1. Facebook. Period. Having 3 or 4 or 5 is just weird to me. Its the same shit on each app, regurgitated over and over again. Step away, the people who matter in your life will still be there. Everyone else really never mattered anyway

[@archiveceline]

This was very refreshing. Thanks for taking the time out to make and share it. I myself have been off of IG for a little over a year now, Twitter for years, SC for some years and FB for about a decade. Its soooo much more all around better for my mental health not being on Social Media.

[@Atheria444]

I left my social media accounts up, but put disclaimers days ago that I'm fed up and won't be logging in or posting anymore. I'm just using the old pages as calling cards to send people to my blog. I did keep KZbin and Rumble (obviously...as I'm here) simply to host videos for my blog. I quit for many reasons, including happiness, stress, vile censorship, and the fact it's mostly a waste of life. I noticed that when I took a walk on the trail near my condo days ago without my phone and taking pictures every 10 seconds, I was actually able to ENJOY JUST BEING IN NATURE.

[@alexjemphrey]

You have such a cool personality Jess! Very charismatic

[@SayoniSays]

uninstalled instagram few hours ago.... wuhoooo.... i remember my highschool days, when i had no social media, and i was a big bookworm, i could read 4 books in a week and now, thanks to social media i have lost my attention span! Time to become the old geek i used to be..... NO SOCIAL MEDIA, MORE READING!!!

[@davidrobertson5894]

This is the first video I watched on your channel! You're awesome. Definitely subbing. 😀

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Yay more to come! I'm currently editing part 2!

[@rboertchristofaro3586]

I don't use social media of any kind either for my mental health as well

[@mercilessmidus8213]

Really powerful because im in the process of doing the exact thing and im already feeling better and its only been a few days.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

keep at it :) replace that time with productivity or working on healing yourself

[@mercilessmidus8213]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee Yes indeed need lots of work on myself emotionally and spiritually

[@kieffbaluyot1387]

I’m thinking about going through this journey. I feel like it’s draining my life force

[@kccts44]

Thank you so much. Love how well you articulate.

[@Pozativ1]

You're Awesome. You're a good speaker on camera, I don't think I could do that lol. I'd be so nervous. But I had to totally delete my Twitter and Instagram accounts. Facebook is still a pain, but manageable. KZbin has become a necessity.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

As long as KZbin consumption is healthy and not deteriorating your mental health :)

[@Pozativ1]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee nope, I fill my head with music comedy and positive self help videos

[@Pozativ1]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee Instagram and Twitter are the ones that made me want to kill myself so I cut those out.

[@a.emrekaya]

I haven't used social media for 20 days, I had a little difficulty in the first days, but I don't think about it anymore. I don't know if my psychology is better, but I sleep better.

[@Anew3A3]

I’ve been off of IG for a few years now. I’m still addicted to my phone. Thank you for sharing.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

There is some inner work to do there then probably. My phone was a crutch in diff ways instead of a tool remove apps that don't serve you. I've removed notifications sounds and all years ago I still check but I'm not distracted when a text comes in to look at it on the spot

[@Anew3A3]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee Amazing! Yea you’re right there is inner work to be done. Let me start deleting more apps. I turned off notifications for texts. Thank you so much for your response. ✨

[@katriannam]

right there with you! i've deleted socials but my phone is a problem regardless! it's like i just find other apps on it to distract me to escape

[@Anew3A3]

@@katriannam yea it’s been taking up so much time. Hopefully we fight it. Good luck.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

@@katriannam awareness is step 1, but you gotta put your will in it. It won't be easy. But the more you do it baby steps, the easier it will be. Remove notifications on your phone. Put it in a drawer when doing focused work. Etc. Find systems and then apply it, you showing up for yourself with the boundaries you set up and follow through with, will empower you. Otherwise, you will be a slave to your device and will feel bad cuz of the tech and cuz of that cycle. Start small, if you mess up, don't dwell on it, pick yourself back up and tweak it to make it work.

[@andivlogs]

Great points, and great video. I still have my social media accounts but have decided to limit my use a long time ago. I only install the app when I need to promote a certain blog post, then uninstall it after. That's it. I can speak to my friends via Messenger anyway. It's amazing how much time you can save without IG. It's like all of a sudden you have more time for hobbies, which is cool 😊

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Great you found a system that works! You can also check out the minimalist app I reviewed for a different solution

[@bluealien66]

thank you so much for this. i have been wanting to do that for so long and I've been having fomo but I'm so glad I found this video. sidenote: I just noticed that you uploaded this on my birthday. I'll take that as a sign lol

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

happy birthday! give yourself the gift of freedom :)

[@leonorstone5039]

Don't know if you'll see this comment, but I just wanted to say this video made me feel really confident with the idea of quitting instagram and most of the things you said resonated with what I'm feeling right now. Thank you so much for your honesty!

[@sziumirainbowz8087]

I don't have a word to explain the way i relate to the thumbnail. I don't want to share abt the experience I had on social media or anyth like that since I had already shared and explained it to the people whom i needed to, but I just want to say that coming on social media was never ever my choice but quitting it for uncertain period or maybe for forever is 100% my choice because a few months back I was so overwhelmed and living in a hell, my mental health was getting worse by the time, I needed to get out of that hell so I decided to quit the hellsome place called social media for my better mental health and I'm blessed that the almighty God guide me to the place where I need and deserve to go. I've been still dealing with mental health issues but I trust in God that he will heal and grant me good mental health one day I believe in God's healing miracle.❣🙏

[@youngbae3966]

This made me really fall in love with your channel it’s so organic and natural please keep making content!!!

[@siddharthk1154]

Mam you tube is Much better than other social media platforms.

[@charitycolumbus6849]

I just deleted my Instagram.. to me it’s too childish, and it turned me off to find out people my age and over the age was into this childish app.. I’m never going back on there ever again.

[@sleeplessinstockwell]

Excellent video babe you spoke a hellatruth. Stay authentic. Peace ✌🏾

[@rhondabaroli2683]

It hard to quit ..,anything But well for today I trying. I hope my friends and fam understands more to life than media ... good news is no ones judging and what I can’t see won’t hurt me. I jus want to be free from being addicted to media and I pray for better days before media I had fam and friends I want to see them in life and maybe I will ya never know lol well good luck media people that want more life and memories and jus wanna enjoy living and omg yes fully mindful is my goal

[@rofflestomp684]

I only use my phone to listen to music, I quit my carrier years ago. I use Skype if I need to make a phone call, but the nice thing is I can't get phone calls randomly. By appointment only, and those little pocket demons are definitely just like slot machines. Being like an over stimulated child in a pile of toys is surely a recipe for losing focus and the joy of making one thing great. I was always more Tai chi than yoga, but the focus by both on breathing and form makes what you do you like nothing else.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I imagine the principal is the same for tai chi! It's just a tool and finding the right one. My generation was really unlucky with tech, it all sky rocketed with us and there was no tools, rules or guidelines on how to use this properly so we were susceptible to it

[@rofflestomp684]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee I think that is exactly right! It was, and still pretty much is, the wild west out there. Tough to put brakes on them skyrockets. It's gonna be 'The Gods must be crazy' on steroids after Musk finishes building his version of Skynet and starts airdropping phones on the bushman in Swaziland and Wild Borneo. Good grief.

[@BriaBarrows]

Yup! I just uninstalled it. I was thinking about it for so long and i finally did it. And yes, you do start to go through other apps

[@yoyoyo5621]

yeah ive realized recently how bad instagram was for me after i started to turn my phone off to keep focused. It made me look at stuff I don't care about, so much freaking ads, even the artists i follow post sooo much ads. and it made me eat junkfood and shop for things I dont need. It kinda dawned on me I'm really being manipulated cuz they just want my money. I have no idea how their algorithm works but their alogorithm is different from youtube cuz youtube shows me stuff im actually interested in. I actually enjoy the content I watch on youtube. I get real entertainment or learn something. Instagram is just....random ads in your face. celebs. junkfood. clothes. vacations. parties. It feels like im being forcefed random crap. and it doesnt feel good when im on it. I think the worst thing was that it was turning me into someone I'm not. Like there was a point where I was like...this isnt who I am. I don't like these foods. I don't care for any of these celebs. I don't care about these products. i think im gonna leave insta too

[@Amancio15]

Lovely video i pretty much feel the same things about social media and my mental health, also, your hair is gorgeous

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

thanks :) that's not even my clean fade cut! Some of my other videos I shot right after a fresh fade and cut

[@Josh-ct6ue]

I wouldn't go back to instagram tbh my account is in the process of being removed have a about two weeks or so before its fuly deleted its so toxic for your mental health Social media makes you more anxious and stressed

[@user-nz8nb2vi4n]

So, Did you deleted it ?

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I wouldn't say it "makes you anxious" but if you're already someone with wounds, addictive personality, low self-worth, seeking outward validation, etc. Then it will 100% accentuate it, that was definitely the case for me! Being aware of that and figuring that being off social media and then taking the action to remove it from your life, is powerful

[@Josh-ct6ue]

@@user-nz8nb2vi4n yeah

[@Josh-ct6ue]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee this is very true things on there can trigger you basically based on your experiences 🌟

[@lisbon70]

I am your fan now. Bcoz of you I now uninstalled my tiktok coz I have been thinking if i should or should not😅thanks Jess. much love from the Philippines. btw also deleted my fb and ig a month ago and i don't miss it.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

welcome to the freedom club :D glad to hear! Make sure to come back and let others know about your update in how you're feeling, what you've gained by letting that go, etc.! It's always nice to see other's success stories and keep motivating each other. I'm releasing a video this Friday about self care, a continuation in some ways of this one. Stay tuned!

[@lisbon70]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee i will😘

[@mrjrl5778]

this was a very nicely made video, thank you for sharing your experience. Ive been deleting and reinstalling insta & fb back and forth, because i really wanna protect my mental health and focus on what matters but for some reason being on those apps just make me lonely

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

you gotta dig deep into that and see why that is. Journaling can be a great way to connect with yourself and also make you feel less lonely! there are many many techniques and tools but you have to discover them for yourself and which will work depending on your situation. I made a journaling video as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHnam6VrhtKNraM

[@explosivefitnessuk]

Good job! I agree with you and deleted all my socials last year. Only thing i still have is YT because its essentially my TV channels 👍

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

ya same! KZbin and Netflix is basically my TV.

[@songsforsale9937]

Yes. Well said

[@Josh-ct6ue]

Second comment but I think your a great person from the video, stay in the moment you don't need social media especially if it brings you down sending love ❤

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Everyone on my KZbin is so kind, I have the nicest people here 😭😭

[@Josh-ct6ue]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee yeah KZbin is one of the best platforms to use tbh

[@TheKingMAC]

Having several reasons to shut it down... correct....

[@619WWEFAN]

Firstly, while I don’t know what that musical instrument is called? It sounded very relaxing, I wish I could hear more . Secondly, that plush toy panda behind you is so cute. So to the main topic. I agree with you similarly where social media became a quantity over quality sort of problem. Overall I always avoided social media, I never ever used Facebook or Twitter etc. I only ever used twitch and discord, and similar as you it became too addictive to the point I’d sometimes forget to cook / eat or forget to shower etc. It really does give a sense of false hype. We want that fake satisfaction from the likes / hearts / comments reacting to whatever we post. And I’m calling it fake satisfaction cause, just cause others may not like it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t, you have the freedom to choose what you enjoy. But that’s the danger of social media, we end up not being our natural self anymore. To be fair, this has been an issue even before social media. Most of us have encountered that one or group of “friends” who just want to be this controlling leader / make others do what they say etc. but social media it’s a whole lot more disastrous. But I have a theory that, the early 2000s people became more toxic than ever before, and it was still the early days of phones and computers. But when the internet became popular, more and more people used it to help escape the toxic world. However it resulted where the vast majority use social media excessively and real life face to face communication is abnormal. At the end, we should just focus on our self worth / what can make us happy alone. That way we don’t need to depend on socializing for happiness. Sure socializing can be fun, but it should be a bonus, so if friendships end you don’t lose yourself instead you still know who you are and what you like. That’s what I’ve been trying to do more and more, and thankfully it’s been working for me. Using social media less = me happier / healthier mentally. Apologies for my ultra long comment, just this has been a super passionate topic for me.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

it's called a handpan, I linked it in the description :) the panda and tiger are both WWF (world wildlife foundation) 😊 Thanks for sharing! I got myself out of that social media - I'm still on social and engage with it a little but I'm not addicted at all, some days I don't go on. There was a moment of loneliness and I had very few friends (in between friends and all) but removing the small dopamine "fake" feelings of connection and actually sitting with that discomfort and being open + all the therapy I did, I went into the world and ended up having so many beautiful friendships that lead me from one thing to another and now 2 great communities I'm a part of and ultimately, that's what I needed. A place to belong, to be accepted, to participate in and to be stimulated and supported by, I couldn't have imagined being where I am and I'm so grateful and proud of where I've come to where I am and where I'm going!

[@619WWEFAN]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee that’s fantastic news, happy things have gotten better for you. I admit I’m still worried a bit because I have zero friends face to face, all of them are online (if it’s even genuine friendships tbh). But I seen many videos where it’s okay if you don’t have friends, cause it’s better to be alone than with toxic friends / with people who make you feel alone. Then you can focus on what you personally enjoy, then you gain that happiness / good emotional health even if alone. I just need to practice this more then eventually I should be a lot better :)

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

@@619WWEFAN like I said, there was a moment of discomfort but nothing in life is great if you stay in the comfort zone. I've constantly been pushing myself out of my comfort zone and I've gone through friend transitions and loneliness multiple times over and always came out of it a different me and friends to match. When you don't have the safe but not as fulfilling connections of online and social media, you're more open (and obliged) to be out there IRL. I make sure to not have my phone in my hands when waiting in line, I strike up conversations (sometimes) with people in the line, etc. I'm actually planning to make a video on losing friends (and gaining friends) along your growth journey, stay tuned and subscribe for that vid!

[@prasadchavan7995]

I had quit social media for almost 2 years and I think I should do it again as it’s consuming too much of my time.