I (Semi) Quit Social Media

I’ve always felt like social media was ruining my life. It’s not an uncommon feeling, but for years, I dismissed it as a vague discomfort rather than something actionable. Some years back, I read Digital Minimalism and Deep Work by Cal Newport. They were great, but they didn’t compel me to stick to my habits.

Then I read The Chaos Machine by Max Fisher, and everything clicked. Fisher’s book didn’t just validate my unease; it exposed the horrifying scope of social media’s impact—not just on individual lives but on entire societies. From algorithms amplifying rage bait to real-world consequences like lynching, cancel culture and even genocide, the book painted a chilling picture of the digital world we’ve built.

These books offered more than criticism; they provided a framework for understanding how social media traps us in cycles of distraction and superficiality, and why stepping away might be one of the best things we can do for ourselves.

The tipping point for me wasn’t just realising how social media exploits us but seeing its effects on me personally. So, almost a month ago, I decided to semi-quit social media. No posting, no scrolling—just stepping back to see what life felt like without it. And let me tell you, it’s been… a journey.

The Effects of My Social Media Withdrawal

1. More Anger in Real Life

This was unexpected. I thought quitting social media would make me calmer, but instead, I’ve found myself angrier. Here’s what I speculated: I’ve spent years being conditioned to outrage over small things online, whether it’s a viral tweet or a controversial post. Social media offers convenient outlets for that anger—commenting, sharing, and finding others who echo your frustration.

But in real life, there are no such outlets. When something annoys me offline, the anger feels sharper, like it has nowhere to go. Without the validation of an echo chamber or the satisfaction of a snarky comment, I find myself wrestling with my emotions more intensely. It’s a challenge, but maybe this is the first step toward unlearning unhealthy emotional habits.

2. Deeper and More Meaningful Conversations

One surprising benefit of semi-quitting social media is how much better my conversations have become. Without Instagram stories showing me the highlight reel of someone’s life, I’m genuinely curious about what they’ve been up to. I ask about their recent trips or big life changes instead of passively consuming their updates online.

The same applies to friends who don’t follow me on social media—or better yet, those who don’t even have accounts. Conversations feel richer and more intentional because we’re not just exchanging pre-packaged updates; we’re engaging in real dialogue.

3. Less “Noise” and Clutter in My Head

Quitting social media felt like turning off a never-ending stream of noise. At first, the silence was jarring—almost like an information blackout. But as the days went on, I started to appreciate the quiet.

Social media inundates us with information, much of it irrelevant or anxiety-inducing. Humans aren’t designed to process this constant barrage, and stepping away has been liberating. I still stay informed either through reading newspapers (not even online news!) or listening to the radio, but I choose what to engage with rather than having it shoved at me by an algorithm.

4. Less Phone Usage and More Awareness

Without the endless scroll of Instagram or Twitter, I’ve noticed a dramatic drop in my phone usage. I no longer reach for my phone reflexively whenever there’s a lull in the day. Instead, I’m more aware of how I spend my time. Whether it’s reading a book, journaling, or simply working, I feel more present in my own life.

5. Freedom from “Performative” Photography

One of the most unexpected (and liberating) changes I’ve noticed since semi-quitting social media is how I approach photography. I used to obsess over making every photo look good—angled just right, filtered to perfection, or styled to follow some aesthetic trend. Worse, I found myself documenting nearly everything in my life, not to remember it for myself but to air it out for others online. It came to a point an ex-colleague said “Fatihah looooooves Instagram!”.

Without social media as an outlet, I no longer feel the pressure to stage my life for an audience. The photos I take now are just for me—snapshots of something genuinely interesting or meaningful that I want to remember. I also take far fewer photos because I’m not trying to curate an image or chase a trend.

This shift has been incredibly freeing. Instead of worrying about how others perceive me, I feel more open to just being… myself. There’s no algorithm to impress, no likes to chase—just moments to enjoy for their own sake.

The Bigger Picture

Stepping back from social media hasn’t been all smooth sailing. The anger, the FOMO (fear of missing out), and the occasional twinge of loneliness are real. But what I’ve gained—deeper connections, mental clarity, and a sense of control over my time—makes it worth the effort.

Quitting social media doesn’t mean abandoning the digital world entirely. For me, it’s about rethinking my relationship with it. Social media isn’t inherently evil, but the way we use it—and the way it uses us—deserves scrutiny.

If you’ve ever felt like social media is a net negative in your life, I’d encourage you to try stepping away. Not forever, and not completely. Just enough to see what’s on the other side of the screen. You might be surprised by what you find.