One Year Without Social Media | Digital Minimalism

[@andrewk473]

I quit social media over 5 years ago and as you said it didn't drastically change my life but it did make it better. Even though I had my concerns about leaving it I actually never missed it. After leaving it I found that I actually like myself better and accept myself more.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Well said Andrew!

[@nathanglynn7443]

Also, its becoming more addictive with each year, more monetized and more hectic. Im trying to hard to quit it now, it was easier a few years ago to hop off, now its just an even more insane place to be. I feel like more people need to quit it, i am on it 5-8 hours a day, while it wont be drastically noticeable i feel like itll make a gigantic impact thats for sure. I could do so much with that time and itll be stuff i want to do without all the influences pushing and pulling me into different directions. do you have any tips for the following weeks where i normally fail? like what did you do to stop yourself going back when you got the itch or did you not have that?

[@conradtheart1715]

I deleted all my social media apps off my phone a few months ago. I completely agree with you about not missing much. I've gone on Facebook on my computer a couple of times and thought to myself: "same old...". I am spending more time on KZbin, but it is to watch things I'm genuinely interested in. I looked at my friend the other day while he was lying on the couch scrolling on Facebook and thought about what a brain numbing waste of time that is. I don't miss it at all. I also won't say I won't ever go back as I can't say I'll never need to for business for example, but I'm definitely not planning on it. Thanks for the video.

[@scavenger1362]

I’m not a social media person. I have a Facebook account, but I don’t use it. It’s insane how people can get so attached to Facebook. They want to see what people are up to without speaking to them. Secondly, they get anxious for not having enough likes on a post. Some would say that its a way to stay in touch with people when it’s all about social status.

[@matirijo]

I’ve been out of social media for around 6 months. I never fell better. I was also able to still meet people through other means, and it feels like I make more meaningful relationships. I do consider going back to social media sometimes, but honestly, that feeling fades away after I sleep on it.

[@johnlangston4108]

How apropos as I deactivated Facebook 5 days ago. That was my last social media platform. I agree that it’s not the “one” thing that will change your life for the better. For me it’s been a process of self improvement and self actualization. My process has included stopping alcohol, exercising more regularly, studying philosophy, journaling, meditation, minimalism, and generally trying to live in the moment. And your channel has been a nice addition to all of that. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@ruru-1993]

I have just finished a challange: 1 year without alcohol. I can tell you that my life has changed for better without %. I wish you luck in your self improvement journey 😄

[@johnlangston4108]

@@ruru-1993 thank you for that, and congratulations! I have abstained from alcohol for more than a year in the past and regret picking it up again. For some of us moderation isn’t always possible. Besides, there really is no “safe” level of drinking as alcohol is a poison. I can also say that I feel so much better without alcohol in my life. All the best to you!

[@vedantkhandalkar7130]

I love your content I think you are spreading the right message here, Digital Minimalism it really is life changing for many of us

[@NicholasGarofola]

Yes! Thank you!

[@SteelKnightPlays]

I can’t even express how much I needed to see this because, like most people, I’m also easily distracted and lack the discipline to be intentional in what I consume especially on social media. Thank you for this, and congrats on your 100th video. I’m glad I got to be apart of it!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Big fan of yours!

[@SteelKnightPlays]

@@NicholasGarofola 🥹🥹🥹 wouldn’t be here without you!

[@reereadstoomuch]

loved this as always! the topic of digital minimalism is one that i personally love hearing about and one that i think needs more recognition and implementation by pretty much everyone. i know that as a teenager i really struggled with my relationship to social media and its only been in my 20s that ive recognised how much i've been "addicted" to it and just how damaging it can get. nowadays i very very rarely use it (and if i do its on my PC) and life is just that little bit better.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Even limiting yourself to just using your PC is a good step!

[@Minimalist_Roots]

I’ve been waiting for this video ah 😊

[@NicholasGarofola]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@essaysbyken]

Firstly-great video on the subject. Many approach this subject from a holier-than-thou, "look at how unique I am" place and you didn't-acknowledging pros and cons of social media. Secondly-for those interested, Cal Newport's book "Digital Minimalism" is a great resource for those trying to navigate a life without social media. And yes, some navigation is helpful when being on social media is the default these days for many community groups and the like. Thirdly-tiiii🎶iiime is on my side. Yes, it is. It is mindboggling how much time we waste on social media when we're fully engaged in multiple platforms. So much potential is getting sucked into those screens like a Ghostbusters ghost trap.

[@juliem.3936]

I have more peace since I recently disconnected from reading the articles that pop up in my Google feed. It was amazing how much time I was spending scrolling and reading (every morning when I woke up and then before I went to bed). So glad I stopped doing that!!

[@sucharitarao5040]

You are awesome and creative ❤️ I really like your videos.. feeling like a friend beside talking to me whenever I feel I'm alone

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thank you so much 😀

[@georgyjohnson9195]

I found it very productive deleting social media. I would waste so much hours just scrolling, jobs would be left for the next day nothing productive done. But not having the distraction has made me bored which in-fact made me force myself to do the jobs so it would keep me occupied throughout the day. It would also force me to socialise more which is funny considering social media is meant to be more interacting with each other.

[@francine5674]

Took me a while to delete Facebook! But at some point, the simple fact that I couldn’t let go without an internal fight with myself became a clear sign. On 01/Jan/2017, I finally deleted and it felt like a weight off my shoulders. Strangely enough, I never missed it and never looked back. Thanks for another lovely video. Keep up your good work 👍

[@savannah5670]

I love the quality so much ! Super clean and simple it’s amazing and I love the way you think and it’s actually so helpful and true l really appreciate your videos ❤

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thank you so much!!

[@k.n.6242]

Hello! In my experience of not using social media for a year, I haven’t missed it at all. The only reason why I did use it was to see the pictures my kids would post. But then when they stopped using it I got tired of the death scrolling and just gave it up. I will say that my mind is a lot quieter and peaceful now. I don’t miss it at all.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Death scrolling, lol love that

[@shre9]

Another platform, not much talked about but one that had the worst impact on me was LinkedIn. It spiked my anxiety levels like no other. I had breakdowns so many times because of it and I can’t leave it because of jobs section and need it for “networking”. It sucks big time 😢

[@veilgray9586]

LinkedIn is like Facebook of workaholics.

[@beas_spanish_class]

I totally agree with you!! It’s toxicity in disguise !!

[@brycenelson2208]

I found myself comparing other people’s successes to my current state. It got to a point where I couldn’t embrace the present and my journey. I created a LinkedIn with the intention to network in my small tight knit field, but got soon became overwhelmed.

[@shre9]

@@brycenelson2208 Can totally relate :(

[@shre9]

@@beas_spanish_class ikr!!!! :(

[@hintofglosss]

Great vid! I deleted the instagram app a few weeks ago and while I do have moments where I instinctively want to open the app… I honestly don’t miss it. The changes to the app were getting frustrating (seeing ads while scrolling through peoples profiles? What???) and worse with each update so that kinda helped the decision. I’m trying to get better at staying off other socials like Reddit and use KZbin as a creative outlet.

[@etherfromheaven]

I deleted instagram on my phone like one month ago and I'm never downloading it again. I now realise that I used to spend a lot of time mindlessly scrolling and I prefer to use that precious time on something more meaningful. What I do instead is logging in to instagram on my computer when I want to check out something, but I don't give as much importance as I did in the past.

[@NicholasGarofola]

A great way to limit the time spent there, thanks Claudia 🙌🏻

[@markowenwardgongs]

Another outstanding video. You say the things so many of us think but don’t say! I’m going to go back and watch all 100 videos again I think.

[@NicholasGarofola]

I appreciate that!

[@manonhisdeen]

The video i was waiting for!! 🤍

[@jazzcheeks6277]

Love your content! And have been subscribed for a few months now!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@staceycohorst7132]

The worst part about being off of social media is seeing your friends continue to subconsciously feed their phone addictions... especially at dinner tables and real social gathers. There are times when conversation lulls and I am the only one that doesn't reach for a phone for a few good scrolls.

[@twodogs257]

Great video Nick! My only social media platform is Facebook. I’ve been on the path to minimalism/essentialism for the past 3 years. The week before 2023 I decluttered both my physical and digital life a little more. My Facebook friends list was whittled down to 10 people from a little over 100. These people were ones I communicated with the most as well as had good back/forth interactions with and 0 drama.

[@kellyshults6590]

I really appreciate your video! Thank you Nicholas

[@CartoonDaily1]

Been on a bit of a social media break myself. No regrets.

[@pauljakeman]

Yet another great video buddy. I agree with you that KZbin isn’t social media, the amount of information and things you can learn from it, even just having music on in the background with, really sets it different from the likes of Facebook etc. congrats on the year without it buddy, it’s coming up to 3 for me, do I miss it? Not one bit! Your right it’s not life changing, but it does change your behaviour over things. After just a month I realised how much time I had wasted and also how stressful it actually was. Yes I lost contact with a few people, but the sad reality is did they even notice? Probably not. I already know that I have no intention of ever going back to any of them. I don’t want to open myself up to that stress, time wasting, and drama ever again. I’d sooner be following and do more of the more productive things I do now that I enjoy way better, like drawing which I took up after leaving social media. It took up the time I wasted on them and now I could never really imagine me not doing some drawing every day. It’s relaxing and therapeutic and I see some great results after, and also looking back on older ones I did I can see my progression. As I said great video mate, great topic!

[@pauljakeman]

@nicholasgarofola You made it buddy! You got a spam account spamming!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Well said as always Paul! And I lold at your second comment 😂 it’s amazing to see how much time we have left over after leaving social media isn’t it?

[@pauljakeman]

@@NicholasGarofola thanks mate! Haha yeah looks like your spammers gone now as can’t see the comment. Hope when I kick of my KZbin again I get a spammer, means I’ve made it 😂And too true buddy, when it’s at least an hour give or take through the day and you add that up through the year….. mind blowing! Hope your doing alright mate! Gotta say it’s funny seeing you just managing in a t shirt yet it’s pretty cold where I am right now. If you ever come over to England I suggest not coming in January, it’d be a bit of a shock to the system haha!

[@justinlaird]

I have also not been on social media for over a year. Best decision I have ever made.

[@user-nz8nb2vi4n]

Same 💪

[@levlogintrospectif]

Very inspiring, thank you !

[@ruru-1993]

Started social media detox 2 weeks ago. Plan: minimum 4 moths, but I would prefer 6 months without ig and fb. I wish I do 1 full year. I already feel changes after 2 weeks.

[@Yarnooo]

Love the content

[@Wildflowerpath]

Thank you so much for this video. I come and go from social media. I always get fed up with it and take breaks. I'm a writer and I just want to do that without feeling I need social media to get my stuff out there. Really appreciate seeing your channel come up so I've subscribed

[@NicholasGarofola]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rashidseerar]

Good thoughts, thanks! 😊

[@flyhighkai]

Ive deactivated my facebook account 2 months ago and I havent posted in instagram since the new year. It feels like being alone but at the same time, I am more in control of myself. Weird but satisfying.

[@jurjgeanina5108]

I needed this video! Thank you!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joshryan993]

How I was waiting for the video on your channel, love

[@VictoriaAguilera-tr3ye]

This is a great video. Exactly my feelings, but put into words. Last year I got rid of all social media with the exception of Instagram because I like photography. Also, in case someone really into social media still wanted a place to "follow" me. Turns out with the exception of a couple people (who I've always known are my true friends), keeping it didn't benefit me at all, and so I have chosen to let it go as well.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Well said!

[@romasliv]

Yeah, for me youtube is like a place to learn than social media too, the only one I didn't quit.

[@mtelfer2654]

Great video and so timely for me and motivational/inspirational. I am in the process of dramatically downsizing my social media usage. I deactivated my FB account a week ago as well as signing out of LinkedIn for the first time in a long, long time. I am glad I discovered your channel a while back. I really enjoy your content.

[@johannathorisdottir2456]

Wow i was just thinking about this about social media ughh i need quiet and i love beeing alone, and i think social media is overcrowding my life! I guess i´m getting old LoL 😁 Very productive and informative video 😁

[@NicholasGarofola]

Not old, we all need some quiet time 😄

[@TamzinSpencer]

I deleted social media, I think it was around over 6 months ago. I'm glad as someone who was born im the age of social media (21 now) i struggled not to go on it anymore. I realised after deleting social media I had more control of what I can see. I also realised that the people I always comunicate already have my number.

[@0xdef]

I was really addicted to social media(fb,instagram). Quitted them for a year and half. Never felt better. I have returned to instagram three months ago. I am more than convinced that it has nothing to offer me(I only use it for 5 mins per day). This video is a good reminder. Share the bread recipe🤣

[@SM-yy2vg]

I haven’t had social media for a couple of years now and it’s fantastic. KZbin is about as social as I get now a days.😉. Great video 😊

[@NicholasGarofola]

Totally agree!

[@musiclassica]

Social media has especially shown us how much free time many people have.

[@renahluca7001]

Cool, you've started recording in other rooms in the house. I've tried to stay without social media but it's hard, congrats

[@NicholasGarofola]

A lot of people noticed that 😅

[@jonlouis2582]

Hats off to you. I gave it all up a few weeks ago and got a dumb phone. I wish I could agree with all the positive comments below, but I've started smoking again, and only stop sobbing and drinking gin long enough to go to work. I'm hoping things get better soon.

[@mikew8573]

Nicholas, great seeing your filming in other parts of your home. Nice change! Social media, never played a part in my life with exception to sporadic skimming on Facebook. I've never bought into the whole reason for it and what you read, post won't matter in one hour. You've moved on to next topic. Do people realize the damage being on your phone/pc is doing you both mentally and physically? It's not helping any with your brain cells nor mental health in a positive way. AND your body is being affected with how your positioning yourself (posture) and finally lack of social skills face to face. I'm getting the best of out my life by living a minimalist life and will know whom my true quality friends-family are by their connecting with me by text/call. I so much agree You Tube is a positive thing all around. Namaste!

[@ArtandKitchen_]

Congrats for choosing peace.Wonder who else has let go of social media, but also alone and introvert in real life like me lol.

[@renze1122]

Yeah the that Timex Watch !!! 🙌🏻👍🏻💯😁

[@nathanglynn7443]

I'm struggling with quitting so badly atm. I get a day or two before I get drawn back into everything. It kinda sucks haha!

[@Mrfantashtic]

I have twitter but don't have followers. Sometimes twitter is helpful if something has happened, especially locally. I have Facebook but only four friends on it, as I don't see the point in knowing what people I haven't seen for years have had for dinner. I have instagram more to store photos, and a couple of accounts for people that interest me. I'm unsocial on the socials.

[@perkarmblad]

I miss when Facebook was actually about staying connected with friends. What I don’t miss is Facebook as it became.

[@PeakyParker91]

I miss the days of no social media, not having to feel like I need to instagram my life as 2nd nature or as proof I'm living, I miss simplicity of just living, social media had me feeling like I had to live for IT by posting daily like people online actually found me interesting or cared even tho we'd never met, if that makes sense? I've deleted all my SM apps, and at times there's a voice in my head saying "but you have 3k followers..." like when tf did that voice become a thing? I really shouldn't see followers as currency, I feel like social media has corrupted the way my mind works on many levels in every aspect of living and I fucking hate it, I feel like that's not me, like I'm a puppet on strings

[@AldoFelt]

Currently I only have KZbin and Pinterest. I deleted IG about 4 months ago and I feel better. Miss it at times but on a journey of no social media. Takes less of my time.

[@chartingwithliv]

Very good take, I didn’t miss anything it was the same girls in yoga pants, gym bros and random cat or gaming videos😂

[@embun.mp4894]

i agree with what you said.

[@trailtrade]

3:27 which bread maker do you use? Looking for something compact. Thanks! Amazing content btw!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Not very compact to be honest, I’ll show it in my kitchen tour 😄

[@linkhantmaung10]

would love to see your photography on ig tho

[@eyathine]

Deleted facebook, instagram, snapchat and twitter . No social media aside youtube for 3 years now. Yeah, like other said, people dont care. They wont notice even you dont post for a long period of time. The last 3 years of my life is the most peaceful and productive I've ever been.

[@llllSYA1]

I'm Only Using Threads in social Media apps. & I Also Leave Every Social Media For Relaxing Myself. I Will Use Threads For Updates And Marketing I will Learn Things Now Business, Become Minimalist, Knowledge From Apps like Wikipedia.

[@amancalledchristian]

Your year without Social, your best year on KZbin. Is it only a case? Compliments as usual Nicholas 😀

[@juliemarkham4332]

I have a small social media presence with a FB account. I simply post something on my page about once a week, which is mostly Christ follower content. I do scroll and look at what my FB friends have posted and "like" it. but that's about how social it gets.

[@lucia_mac]

I have an instagram. But I set up the limit for 15 min per day. It works for me.

[@kizzeluiz]

One thing really complicated its some of your friends calling you radical when you decided it just be out for couple months or so ...claiming exactly about being isolated its not a good thing. Its a proper joke since we are already isolated ...in internet we are alone altogether !

[@gabewally]

I would find myself scrolling through Instagram out of boredom. Why do that when I could watch KZbin out of boredom? 😂 I keep Snapchat to talk to my friend from Europe cuz he doesn’t have an iPhone but that’s it. Also, nice kitchen.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Exactly 😅 thanks Gabe!!

[@lizb4156]

I've never had any social media, I can't stand it.

[@Omenafilho25]

Is WhatsApp social media? It’s something i am “addicted”. I’ve tried to quit but i did not succeed bc it is the main way to connect ppl. But unfortunetely i suffer FOMO

[@scruf153]

for me You Tube is a form of TV I do not own a cellphone nor a car the freedom is real you can live without them

[@yesman4005]

one of my 2023 goals is to say bye-bye to Instagram!

[@ObieMinimalist]

I need Social Media like Apps in Online Banking and some news. Be disciplined in Social Media. Only needs

[@I_am_the_one101]

what iphone do you have?

[@NicholasGarofola]

iPhone 13

[@craptom]

Is reddit considered as social media?

[@NicholasGarofola]

Meh, I don’t think it’s as shitty as the rest

[@susususu9871]

im 2nd

[@arifquan]

Hallo nicolas,

[@elijahkiing5075]

nobody gonna talk about what he did with the coffee?🤨

[@NicholasGarofola]

My waft? 🙃

[@jebaker2]

After the last presidential elections, it all became too stressful… dropped all social media now except Reddit if that counts. I don’t miss any of it - even a little.

[@mpk2807]

I quit social media 7 years ago. Yes, i lost most of my friends. And yes, i felt lonely at times. But that’s okay, better to feel lonely being alone than in group. Though people say Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Twiiter(X), Discord, Whatsapp as social media, we tend to ignore KZbin, this has been biggest time killer and mind killer too, i only realised this after 4 years quit all social media and having only YT. This is addictive AF.

[@hilalrahman]

been in this path for a while. The only social apps now i use are whatsapp and telegram. But both have its own significance in my daily life.

[@user-nz8nb2vi4n]

Same here 💪