Deleting Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat was the best decision I ever made. I have had social media since I was 13 and it was very addicting. The dopamine rush you get from posting or updating your life on social media is like no other, but it was the biggest distraction in my life. So I deleted my social media apps and since then, I have been getting that dopamine rush from real things instead.

Apparently, I’m not alone. In a 2021 post on Zapier.com, writer Jake Murphy noted the benefits and challenges of cutting the social media link.

“For the first couple hours after I deleted the apps, I found myself in the land of muscle memory. I’d wake my phone, go to tap the place where the apps used to be, and see that they weren’t there. I’d remember why, set my phone down, and move on with my day.”

Here are just a few benefits of ending your reliance on social media.

Reduce stress and improve well-being
Taking a break from social media allows you to focus on your own life and priorities, which reduces stress and improves well-being. Overall, deleting social media can have a positive impact on your mental health, since constantly comparing yourself to others and being exposed to curated highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Improve productivity
Also, deleting social media can also increase your productivity, as social media can be a major distraction, especially when it comes to working or studying. Constant notifications and the temptation to check your feeds can hinder your ability to concentrate and be productive. The fact is that social media can be a major time drain. Hours can easily slip away as you mindlessly go through feeds and engage in endless scrolling.
Deleting social media eliminates these distractions, allowing you to stay focused and accomplish tasks more efficiently.

Improve relationships
While social media provides a platform for connecting with others, it often fosters shallow and superficial relationships. So deleting social media may encourage you to prioritize face-to-face interactions and build deeper, more meaningful connections with the people around you. This can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and genuine human connection.

Better security online
There are also security benefits to deleting social media. Social media platforms collect vast amounts of personal data, which can be used for targeted advertising or even compromised in data breaches. By deleting social media, you regain control over your privacy and reduce the risk of your personal information being misused. Social media also tracks your data by tracking cookies, geo-fencing and cross-site tracking.

Cutting the cord is not for everyone
To be fair, social media does have its benefits because it helps you stay in contact with friends and family. Through videos, pictures and sharing information through social media, it keeps you updated with what’s going on around you and the world. Social media can be a positive thing for you to keep, but it depends on how you use it. It’s important to assess your own needs and priorities before making a decision. If you do decide to delete social media, consider starting with a temporary break to see how it impacts your life.