Chapter 1: The Shift from Social Media Enthusiast to Recluse

I used to be deeply immersed in the world of social media, actively posting on YouTube and Instagram nearly every day. However, my perspective has shifted significantly for the better.

Hi there, I’m Sara. Once a social media aficionado, I recently decided to prune my Instagram following by around 800 users.

This transformation began when I made my account private, which prompted me to reflect on who was actually following me. Eventually, I found the courage to remove anyone who was a stranger, casual acquaintance, or a friend from a different phase of my life.

In my past self, I would have been upset at the thought of losing followers and would have scoffed at the idea of having just 300 remaining. I spent countless hours each day glued to my social media accounts, eagerly checking notifications and posting updates.

So, what prompted this drastic change?

The Desire for a Safe Space

The primary motivation was my longing for a secure environment, free from the cringe-worthy aspects of social media.

While it may seem trivial, the desire for a safe space has become increasingly important to me. This realization struck me harder when I reflect on my experiences writing on Medium, where I face minimal barriers aside from a basic paywall.

What I truly wanted was the freedom to share anything online, knowing it would be seen only by a trusted circle of friends and acquaintances.

I vividly remember posting on Facebook at 14, celebrating a B+ in Tamil, my native language, despite usually earning an F. A few years later, as I transitioned to college, I stumbled upon that post and cringed at my youthful enthusiasm. Why did I feel the need to share such mundane details?

In hindsight, it was unnecessary to broadcast every trivial thought that crossed my mind. I already experience enough discomfort rereading my old journals from high school—imagine how much worse it is with a larger audience!

But I find solace in sharing my thoughts on Medium. Here’s why:

Embracing Vulnerability

On Medium, I can express my vulnerabilities, knowing they contribute to my growth as a writer.

While I may still cringe at my past writings years down the line, I recognize that the effort I put into honing my craft is invaluable. Unlike trivial posts about grades or lunches, this journey shapes my foundation as a writer.

The Solitude of the Mountain

The second reason for my retreat from social media is the tranquility I find in solitude.

Picture this: standing atop a mountain, gazing down at the serene landscape below, devoid of distractions. That sense of peace mirrors my extended absence from social media.

For those who prefer indoor activities, think of the calm you experience while playing a farming game like Stardew Valley, where you can lose yourself in cultivating crops and living in your own world.

That’s the essence of disengaging from social media for me these days.

Breaking Free from the Hamster Wheel

The third reason behind my social media retreat stems from the repetitive cycle I felt trapped in.

Whether I was mindlessly scrolling through TikTok or contemplating my next YouTube upload, I often felt ensnared in a loop of content creation and consumption that didn’t resonate with me.

Yet, I felt obligated to stay plugged in, to post updates on Instagram, or to keep up with TikTok trends. It was nonsensical to feel stressed over something ultimately trivial.

The emergence of new social media platforms since 2016 helped me navigate this mindset. As apps like Mastodon, Clubhouse, and BeReal gained traction, I initially felt compelled to participate. However, witnessing their rise and fall made me realize I wasn’t bound to this incessant cycle.

I understood that I didn’t have to grant social media platforms such control over my life. Instead, I decided to invest my time in spaces that nurture me—like LinkedIn for professional growth and Medium for creative expression.

Seeking Empowering Connections

Ultimately, I seek platforms that enrich my life rather than deplete it.

Social media possesses immense power, yet it often harbors toxicity. No platform is entirely free from it, as chaos seems to follow human interaction.

In this noisy world, I find myself gradually stepping back from social media, embracing a life filled with purpose and meaningful connections.