I’m Done: Why I’m Quitting Facebook and Instagram

There’s something deeply unsettling about waking up in the morning and instinctively reaching for your phone — not to check the weather, not to call someone you love, but to scroll through an endless stream of other people’s lives. I’ve come to realize that Facebook and Instagram have quietly taken more than just my time — they’ve taken pieces of my peace, my presence, and my purpose. This isn’t just a dramatic statement or a social media detox announcement. This is me reclaiming my life.

The Illusion of Connection

We were promised connection, but what we got was noise. Hundreds of “friends” but no real conversation. Thousands of “likes” but not enough love. I found myself knowing everything about everyone, yet feeling deeply unknown.

Social media makes us voyeurs of each other’s highlights. It fools us into thinking we’re a part of something bigger while we sit alone in rooms, staring at curated images of people who seem happier, richer, fitter, and more fulfilled.

But behind every perfect photo is often someone just as insecure, anxious, or lost as we are. I know, because I was one of them.

The Time I’ll Never Get Back

Let’s talk about time — the most valuable thing we’ll ever own. I’ve lost hours, days, months to mindless scrolling. I used to read books, write, walk, stare at the sky and let my mind wander. Now? Most of that time has been swallowed by screens.

It creeps in quietly: a few minutes on the feed, checking stories, watching reels. Before you know it, the day is gone and you’re left feeling drained, yet oddly empty — like you’ve consumed a lot, but absorbed nothing.

The Comparison Trap

No matter how self-aware you are, comparison is inevitable. You see someone traveling the world while you’re just trying to make rent. Someone got engaged. Someone bought a house. Someone lost weight, started a business, became an influencer, went viral. You feel behind — always behind.

And that comparison? It chips away at your confidence. It steals your gratitude. It whispers, “You’re not enough.”

I Want My Life Back

So I’m quitting. Not as a trend, not as a break, but as a choice to return to myself.

I want real moments again. I want to be bored and let boredom turn into creativity. I want to look at sunsets without thinking, “This would make a great post.” I want to have conversations that aren’t interrupted by notifications. I want my attention back — for my art, my relationships, my mental clarity.

I want my life back.

No Judgment, Just Honesty

If you find joy in social media, that’s beautiful. I don’t judge anyone who chooses to stay. But for me, the cost has become too high — and the reward too hollow.

I’m choosing presence over performance.
Depth over likes.
Reality over illusion.

I’m logging out so I can tune in — to the world around me, and most importantly, to myself.

And if you’ve been feeling this too, let me just say: it’s okay to walk away. Your worth is not tied to your engagement, and your life doesn’t need to be a performance.

See you in the real world.

—
Formerly online. Now alive.
🕊️