I got really inspired by this video:
She brings up a very good point. I've been Instagram/TikTok-clean for 3 weeks now and I feel great. I feel:
More connected to the real world, grounded.
My attention has improved a lot. Racing thoughts are way less frequent. I now have laser-sharp focus.
In general, I feel happier with my life (Disclaimer: Spring has arrived in Berlin after a very dark winter. But I survived, yeeei).
I am doing great things with my time! Sports, cooking, side projects, reading, going out with friends.
I came up with a framework that has 6 steps. It will make you aware and unlock your freedom.
Stair 1: The Lie
Remember when Facebook was all about connecting with your friends? We've come a long way from there.
This is looking more and more like an addictive slot machine. I do agree that it is still a tool to keep in touch with some people, yes, but… Are there no alternatives that require a lower price to pay? (give them a call for example). Right now, the price we pay for what we get is not working in our favour.
Stair 2: The Biology
We've all heard about how our brains get a dopamine hit from notifications — how it is rewiring us for the notification chase, the red dot, the likes. Are we being preconditioned to feel numb toward real life?
Have our receptors and baselines of boredom become too rigged by now? How is that really affecting us on a biological level?
Stair 3: The Identity
Who are you when you are not being fed content? What do you like? What are your original thoughts?
Is your personality and taste being hijacked? It is very interesting.
How is your perception of yourself being shaped by your feed consumption?
Stair 4: The Control Machine
Let's say you are confronted with a typical life dilemma. You are in a relationship but you are going through a rough patch and doubts arise.
There is content for both paths:
For sure there are creators talking and giving arguments for each path… Imagine if there were an invisible hand pushing just one path toward you. How would your reality and judgement be affected then?
Those tools have basically the control of your life… Of our life… It is massive and lets not even start the Data Privacy discussion.
Stair 5: The Experiment
I invite you to test it yourself. Walk the path. Commit to 10 days, 15 days, whatever your intuition tells you you need.
See it for yourself — I know you’ve thought about it.
Delete the app, fight the craving. Add friction. Take the first step today, check in with yourself on day 3, and take it from there.
Stair 6: The Alternative
According to my phone usage, I’ve reduced my screen time by around 1 hour and 15 minutes per day. Find meaningful things to do! Go on a walk, connect with your creativity, talk to another human!
Call your parents, bake a cake. Wear those shoes and hit the road! The options are endless. Use the gift of time you gave yourself. Come up with alternatives to fill the void, forge your path!
Proprietary images. Seems that now, thanks to AI, I’m an illustrator too.