January 1, 2021 starts a long three month journey for me. I am stepping away from social media, from scrolling, from wasting my time on these apps. And I am so excited. I need this. I want this.
But I am so terrified.
About a month ago, I started considering what it might look like to take a short break from social media after being reminded of how good it was to disconnect over the summer. Then last week, a pastor I know in the city posted about how he was looking for people to join him on a three month scrolling sabbatical and I knew this was my chance to take a break with others. So I signed up and invited a friend to join me! 10 of us from all over the US are in it together, using Slack to hold one another accountable and process this season together.
You guys, it’s only January 1 and I already feel the FOMO (fear of missing out, in case you didn’t know). All day, I’ve grabbed for my phone and went for the Instagram app only to remember it’s not there. I walked through Times Square to see the ball and I went to open Snapchat to send my friend a picture. I grabbed a coffee and went to add it to my story. Look, I know I have a problem. Social media has created these illusions of connection and of friendship and of beautiful lives. I know it’s fake, I understand it’s an illusion. But I’ve fallen hard into the trap.
So why did I do this? What has possessed me to embark on this challenge? Simple. I need a break. Social media takes more time than I car to admit. I don’t want to need it and I want to have time for the things I’ve said I don’t have time for.
The not so easy, answer? As I’m working through identifying my own emotions through counseling, I’m noticing my tendency to scroll instead. Scrolling numbs me. A break from these apps may be a good catalyst that aids in my emotional and mental health.
I realize by breaking from social media, these blogs won’t likely be seen by many. And maybe that’s some of the benefit, too. Instead of posting for more likes, I’m posting for me. My processing/ramblings/learnings will be documented for the sake of myself. And if you’re here, too, may you be encouraged to consider your relationship with social media. And maybe you’ll take drastic measures and join me on my sabbatical.
Until the next time my detox makes me think/feel lots of things.