Why people are choosing to quit social media | BBC Ideas

Many people make an active choice not to be on social media. What motivates them to quit or detox from social media? Is social media ruining our lives? What are the benefits of leaving social media behind?
Made by Polyphonic Films

____________________________
Do you have a curious mind? You’re in the right place.

Our aim on BBC Ideas is to feed your curiosity, to open your mind to new perspectives, and to leave you that little bit smarter.



#bbcideas #socialmedia #socialmediaquit

[ojaswiishani]

Quitting social media is like coming out of a toxic relationship. You know what I mean.

[ToLovelyJesus]

I remember when social media was fun and a genuine way to connect with people. Now it’s mostly just toxicity and self-promotion.

[MalkiaPenelopeN]

I’m 22 and I left all social media when I was 18. Happiest decision I’ve ever made in my young adult years

[Taldaran]

I quit social media during the pandemic. It improved my mental health considerably, mostly anxiety and depression. It's liberating when you start on the path to caring less about what other people think about you, and focus on what you think about yourself. That's when true healing begins.

[IreneSidede]

We seem to forget that there was a time where social media DID NOT exist and we were living just fine!

[ImanoorRahman]

It's mad how we live in a society that normalises social media to the point that its considered an achievement to go without it

[immrssnow]

4 years ago I deleted all my social media accounts & I swear I've never been happier and more peaceful before.
So cheers to those who took this decision in this social media addicted world 🥂🌝

[Pougie]

I remember saying in class in 2009 that I don't use FB or other social media, and the room gasped collectively. There were people seriously asking me how I communicate with people. I had a friend tell me she wouldn't be able to stay in contact with me if I didn't join social media. It was at that point I realized how addicted everyone was to this silly concept.

[kristincarlson]

I quit social media when I realized I was just searching for validation. I’m also not interested in everyone’s facade.

[MrJamesdryable]

I'm 26 and I vanished from social when I was about 22. Start living YOUR life. Learn who YOU are without the opinion of others. Even friends.

[kaylat]

"People are ditching social media's endless distractions and investing in their financial futures. They're trading virtual likes for real wealth, seeking long-term financial stability and freedom. By quitting social media, they're gaining time, clarity, and focus to build a brighter financial tomorrow."

[preciousmousse]

I've been off social media for about 3 years now. It's definitely one of the things that allowed me to grow on a personal and professional level more than ever before. Time is precious and your feelings are too! Don't waste your life getting anxious on social media.

[Your_esty_mia]

It’s been 3 years since I quit ! I love the fact that someone can’t google me and find me or think they know of me from my socials, you have to literally know me to know me 🌺

[durarnajwamohdrazi]

The only reasons I stick to youtube is that I can learn something from it

[yaminisharma]

Its been 5 years since I quit social media and i can't even tell you how peaceful my life is 🙏 grateful

[dyl]

I deleted all my social media 10 months ago and although the first two months were hard this was the best decision I’ve done! My mental health has grown so much

[namnguyen]

I have no longer used social media for a month and i feel everything much more comfortable and calm.

[ap]

Deleted all my social media at the beginning of this year. Best thing I ever did. I can confirm it is a major cause of anxiety

[faresgh]

Before quitting Facebook : I waste my time following what other people are doing, I feel unsatisfied seeing how wonderful their lives must be compared to mine, I witness arguments between people I don't truly know about a subject I don't really care about...

After quitting Facebook : I relax reading books, I have fun playing football with my friends, I get excited about traveling, I focus easily on preparing my work, I have fun playing video games, I enjoy playing the piano..

[FairBeautyEssentials]

I deactivated all of my social media profiles: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and I deleted Twitter entirely…my soul is exhausted now. I keep YouTube because I don’t consider YouTube social media because YouTube is nothing but a bunch of videos it’s like TV to me. TV is pre-recorded and so is YouTube videos, all pre-recorded etc. I can handle/deal with YouTube, no problem!👍🏼