Such an interesting read! I am also a social manager so I feel you. I actually deleted all the apps very recently. And it’s a wild experience. The first day, there were so many times where I subconsciously picked up my phone to click on Instagram even though I knew it wasn’t there. And now, I leave my phone in the other room for hours without even noticing that I’ve left it there.
That’s something I am still trying to figure out actually. Luckily I work in strategy so I don’t have to schedule posts or the like but I will probably run into some issues down the line too with not having it on my phone. But honestly, if I need it in a specific moment, then I’ll just download Instagram and delete it again right after.
I do something similar! I've had my notifications off for ages, and a few months ago I put a timer on my phone where most of my apps turn off from 6:30 pm to 9 am. I've been thinking of expanding it, especially for TikTok because I've been bad about ignoring the timer when it goes off.
This is the most interesting and relatable post ever. I am also a social media manager and have been chronically online as a teen. Social media feels like space, my home, or safe space but over the years it's become so toxic and draining. I've been in desperate need of a detox and to decrease my screen time. I've never heard of these tips so thank you for sharing reasonable pointers and the app! Because pressing 15 more minutes on the timer on the phone just aint cutting it anymore lol
Absolutely love the idea of this intermittent social media fasting! A 4-hour window of doomscrolling apps being available. Genius.
A couple months ago I started being more intentional with my social media use (I'm off Facebook and TikTok, my Instagram shortcut was replaced with Substack, and most of my notifications are turned off) but I still (or again?) find myself going into Instagram when I'm bored and doomscrolling.
Your last point - of just *being bored* - is so important, and something I should honour more often. It's okay to not have something to do. You're allowed to passively exist for 5 minutes.
This was a great piece! One trick I use with my app blocker is to (in addition to my regular blocks) schedule in random times when a particular app will be blocked for an hour (every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 10:37am for example). I schedule in enough of these so that when I do reach for an app, at the back of my mind I wonder 'will I even be able to open it right now'? It gets rid of that sense of entitlement (for lack of a better phrase) -- that a particular app will always be available whenever I feel the need for a distraction.
Adore this post so much, it's hard to strike a fine balance but I've also opted out of checking my socials constantly and it's a relief more than a self-imposed ban
Marta, you’re so good! Thank you for such a thorough analysis. You really got the gears turning for me. I’m setting up blocks now. Good for you! P.S. The chronically online definition = hilarious perfection.
Love this! I deactivated all my social media accounts except Substack three weeks ago and, wow, I didn't know my mind could be this clutter-free.
Such an interesting read! I am also a social manager so I feel you. I actually deleted all the apps very recently. And it’s a wild experience. The first day, there were so many times where I subconsciously picked up my phone to click on Instagram even though I knew it wasn’t there. And now, I leave my phone in the other room for hours without even noticing that I’ve left it there.
That’s something I am still trying to figure out actually. Luckily I work in strategy so I don’t have to schedule posts or the like but I will probably run into some issues down the line too with not having it on my phone. But honestly, if I need it in a specific moment, then I’ll just download Instagram and delete it again right after.
That's amazing! How do you keep that balance as a SMM? Are you able to do everything on desktop?
Needed this. Thank you!!
Me too, sister!
I failed. Today is a new day! 🥴
You got this ;-)
Thank you, you too!!
I do something similar! I've had my notifications off for ages, and a few months ago I put a timer on my phone where most of my apps turn off from 6:30 pm to 9 am. I've been thinking of expanding it, especially for TikTok because I've been bad about ignoring the timer when it goes off.
This is the most interesting and relatable post ever. I am also a social media manager and have been chronically online as a teen. Social media feels like space, my home, or safe space but over the years it's become so toxic and draining. I've been in desperate need of a detox and to decrease my screen time. I've never heard of these tips so thank you for sharing reasonable pointers and the app! Because pressing 15 more minutes on the timer on the phone just aint cutting it anymore lol
Absolutely love the idea of this intermittent social media fasting! A 4-hour window of doomscrolling apps being available. Genius.
A couple months ago I started being more intentional with my social media use (I'm off Facebook and TikTok, my Instagram shortcut was replaced with Substack, and most of my notifications are turned off) but I still (or again?) find myself going into Instagram when I'm bored and doomscrolling.
Your last point - of just *being bored* - is so important, and something I should honour more often. It's okay to not have something to do. You're allowed to passively exist for 5 minutes.
This was a great piece! One trick I use with my app blocker is to (in addition to my regular blocks) schedule in random times when a particular app will be blocked for an hour (every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 10:37am for example). I schedule in enough of these so that when I do reach for an app, at the back of my mind I wonder 'will I even be able to open it right now'? It gets rid of that sense of entitlement (for lack of a better phrase) -- that a particular app will always be available whenever I feel the need for a distraction.
Loved this so much! Thanks for sharing.
Adore this post so much, it's hard to strike a fine balance but I've also opted out of checking my socials constantly and it's a relief more than a self-imposed ban
Marta, you’re so good! Thank you for such a thorough analysis. You really got the gears turning for me. I’m setting up blocks now. Good for you! P.S. The chronically online definition = hilarious perfection.