Swapping Social Media for Books: My Yearlong Journey’s Impact
There is no going back for me.
This year, I’ve redirected my focus towards topics and hobbies that genuinely inspire, foster growth, and intellectually engage me.
I was introduced to social media at twelve, of course I was too young.
Now, the allure of capturing the ‘perfect picture’ and my need to portray a certain image or persona through selfies has diminished (a lot) at twenty-eight.
My deep-rooted love for reading, cultivated by my dedicated primary and middle school teachers, remains strongly rooted in me. Oh man, those school book fairs were truly special.
Also, thank you dad, for getting me all the books that I ever wanted!
What inspired me to make this attention switch?
Like many, I’ve felt the weight of anxiety and negativity while navigating social media.
The frustration of investing time in inconsequential content isn’t something I want to recall in my later years, when I’m older looking back into what I did with my life.
Do I really need to know what someone who I have not spoken in years (but whom I follow) had for dinner or where they went yesterday? I really don’t think so.
As a UX designer, I have deeper knowledge and understanding of the tactics employed by other product designers, executives and engineers to capture user engagement and foster digital product addiction.
This knowledge unsettled me. Yet, why did I continue to use these products despite my evident reservations?
To put it simply, my primary reasons to make the switch were:
- Overall feelings of anxiety.
- Regrets of wasting time doomscrolling.
- Feeling uneasy about user engagement manipulation tactics.
For those unaware of the profound addiction many individuals, from children to adults, experience with social media, I recommend you watch this segment from the film ‘Childhood 2.0’ directed by Jamin Winans, Kiowa Winans, and Robert Muratore.
It offers a clear insight into this issue. Having viewed it some time ago, its poignant message still lingers with me.
Life and mind changes I’ve experienced
As previously stated, I’ve reached a point of no return.
Witnessing the profound benefits from redirecting my attention, I’m now committed to investing my leisure time in reading, coupled with cherishing moments with family, friends, and embracing real-world experiences.
If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. — Cicero
These are some of the most rewarding and important changes I’ve had this year thanks to reading constantly:
- Clearer mind
I now navigate complex problems and come up with solutions with greater ease than before.
- Feeling more present
The anxiety induced by social media lingered even during moments of disengagement (I know, crazy).
However, after an extended break, away from it, this unease has vanished.
Now, I find myself deeply immersed in the beauty of nature when I encounter it and the simple act of observing passersby, brings a feeling of genuine connection to the world around me, how funny.
- Fulfillment
Completing a book, irrespective of my affinity for its content, instills a sense of achievement, it boosts my self-esteem and sense of fulfillment.
Moreover, it makes me proud to be acquiring new knowledge, assimilating insights that my mind integrates and applies in real-life scenarios.
- Mindfulness
As a result of feeling more present, I experience a profound sense of inner peace, which cultivates a more optimistic and joyful mindset in me.
- Focus improvement
This heightened presence has enhanced my capabilities as a designer and writer. I can sustain focus on tasks for extended periods of time without fatigue or distraction and I can prioritize activities with greater ease than before.
- No more FOMO
How could I possibly feel a sense of missing out when I’m immersed in the timeless writings of Aldous Huxley or Mary Shelley, exploring their universes? Need I say more?
- Improvement in communication
Another benefit that’s positively impacted both my professional and personal life: I now articulate my feelings, thoughts, and ideas with clarity and precision. This is something that I used to struggle with.
It’s unsurprising that this also aids in comprehending others more effectively.
Would I recommend you try doing this too?
My answer is absolutely yes.
Perhaps an abrupt transition from social media to reading isn’t feasible for everyone.
However, initiating small changes and gradually redirecting your attention during leisure moments can make a difference.
Maybe start by reading one book every month. A small book. And take the time to reflect on it, annotate it, and make it yours.
If social media feels like too much for you certain days and you just want to start building a healthier habit, remember that there are so many other things that you can do and pay attention to while you have fun.
It may seem crazy, but sometimes we forget — I’ve been there.
