## 2024-08-11 21:22:59
For a week, I decided to step away from major social networks like TikTok, Instagram, and X to assess their impact on my daily life.
While I’m not a frequent user of these apps, I realized I had missed certain subtle aspects of their presence in my life.
After a period of mindful technology reduction, I realized that simply letting go of social media was the most satisfying aspect. While it may seem counterintuitive, completely abandoning these deeply ingrained habits felt unnecessary.
During this experiment, I discovered that distancing myself from platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok had a positive influence on my well-being.
TikTok, in particular, has been criticized for its endless scrolling feature, which the European Union is now attempting to regulate. While it’s true that users must take responsibility for their own online habits, these apps don’t make it easy to establish healthy boundaries.
Inspired by this experience, I’ve decided to try a period where I limit my social media usage solely to professional purposes. While I’m not addicted to these apps, I often find myself getting sucked into endless TikTok videos that offer little value. Instagram and X are used less frequently, primarily to stay updated on current events through accounts that genuinely interest me.
I did not uninstall these apps entirely at the start of this experiment, as is often done in similar challenges. Instead, I simply challenged myself to live without them and honestly assess their benefits and drawbacks.
Ultimately, I found that the advantages of this intentional social media detox outweigh the disadvantages, with some notable exceptions.
While I do use X for personal updates, I primarily rely on it for professional purposes. As a journalist, I find it valuable for staying informed about industry news, product announcements, and security updates.