How deleting tiktok & instagram changed my life | 2 years later

Summary

In this video, the creator explores the concept of digital minimalism, offering insights into how social media can negatively impact mental health. Drawing from personal experience, they share how reducing screen time has led to greater creativity, focus, and overall well-being. The video critiques popular platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, while suggesting ways to regain control over social media usage, such as deleting apps and using time-management techniques. The creator emphasizes the importance of mental clarity over online validation, ultimately prioritizing personal growth and peace of mind over viral trends.

Takeaways

• 😀 Evaluate social media platforms critically: Assess each platform based on its impact on your mental health and well-being.
• 😀 Instagram has become less about real connection and more about advertising and vanity metrics, making it a less authentic platform.
• 😀 Cutting out apps like Instagram can reduce mindless scrolling and help break the addictive cycle of constantly seeking dopamine hits.
• 😀 The best way to manage TikTok's addictive nature is to avoid downloading it altogether or set strict usage limits if you choose to use it.
• 😀 Digital minimalism is about consciously reducing digital distractions to make room for more fulfilling, real-world activities.
• 😀 A simple yet effective strategy is deleting social media apps from your phone to make it less convenient to engage in mindless scrolling.
• 😀 Use desktop versions of apps to create a less immersive and convenient experience, which can help reduce time spent on social media.
• 😀 YouTube can be a balanced platform if used intentionally for educational or entertainment purposes without falling into a content binge.
• 😀 Tools like BlockSite can help you stay focused by blocking distracting websites while working or studying.
• 😀 Spending more time outside, listening to podcasts, or reading books like *Digital Minimalism* can enrich your life and reduce screen dependency.

Q & A

What is digital minimalism?

Digital minimalism is the practice of reducing unnecessary digital distractions in order to focus on what truly matters. Cal Newport defines it as 'the art of knowing how much is just enough' in terms of personal technology use.

How has practicing digital minimalism impacted the speaker’s mental health?

Practicing digital minimalism has helped the speaker reduce anxiety, improve focus, and increase creativity. It has also led to better mental clarity and a greater sense of well-being by limiting exposure to the dopamine-driven cycles of social media.

Why is social media considered harmful to mental health?

Social media platforms exploit the brain's dopamine response, leading to addictive behaviors and negative emotions such as anxiety and self-doubt. The algorithms prioritize engagement and advertisements over meaningful content, which can leave users feeling mentally drained and disconnected.

What are some of the challenges of using Instagram, according to the speaker?

Instagram is criticized for being filled with ads, influencers, and curated content that makes it hard for users to show up authentically. The platform fosters unhealthy practices like 'like for like,' where engagement is driven by vanity metrics rather than genuine interaction, which makes the experience feel shallow.

What strategies did the speaker use to reduce Instagram use?

The speaker deleted the Instagram app from their phone, which made it harder to mindlessly open the app. By removing the app, they broke the habit of automatic scrolling and only access Instagram through their computer, which is a less engaging experience.

How does the speaker feel about Facebook?

The speaker finds Facebook to be divisive and no longer spends much time on the platform. They mention that Facebook’s negative impacts have been exposed, particularly the platform’s role in spreading misinformation and divisiveness.

Why does the speaker avoid TikTok?

The speaker avoids TikTok because they believe it would be highly addictive for them, especially given their ADHD. They recognize the platform's fast-paced, dopamine-driven nature and feel that they wouldn't be able to control their usage.

What are the tips for managing TikTok use if you're struggling with addiction?

The speaker suggests three strategies: 1) Deleting the app from your phone to limit mindless use, 2) Watching TikTok videos through YouTube compilations for a more curated experience, and 3) Taking a one-month break from TikTok to assess how it impacts your mental health.

What tools does the speaker recommend for staying focused and practicing digital minimalism?

The speaker recommends using the *BlockSite* Chrome extension to block distracting websites, as well as spending more time outside and listening to podcasts instead of scrolling through social media. They also suggest reading *Digital Minimalism* by Cal Newport for more in-depth strategies.

What are the benefits of spending time outside, according to the speaker?

Spending time outside while listening to podcasts helps the speaker be more productive and engaged. It provides a healthier way to consume content while also getting physical exercise, which supports both mental and physical well-being.