Unplug to Recharge: The Power of a Social Media Detox

Take a break

I don’t know exactly when I hit my social media wall. It happened somewhere between tweeting about Kendrick Lamar and Drake, sharing a less snarky version of that take on Threads, or uploading a commentary video to YouTube, only to cut it into three different versions for YouTube Shorts, TikTok and Instagram Reels. Then, there’s the balancing act of sharing my accomplishments on LinkedIn—while also feeling like they’re never enough—and simultaneously hunting for the next gig because, well, #hustleharder.

Add to that the emotional gymnastics of replying to comments for “engagement,” all while dodging a minefield of trolls and bullies who think racism, sexism, sexual harassment, xenophobia and even death threats are acceptable ways to get a stranger’s attention. And to top it all off, platforms (especially X) not only allow this toxic behavior—they practically encourage it.

At some point, I hit a breaking point. Enough. It’s time to unplug.

The Good Old Days vs. The Grind

I first joined social media in college, back when our school was one of the first to get an invite to Facebook. Back then, it was fun. It was just us, our friends, and photos that didn’t need to be filtered. We shared our favorite Outkast and John Mayer lyrics and poked each other innocently, not realizing that it would one day become a commodity.

But somewhere along the line, things changed. Social media, which was once a place of connection, began to morph into the worst part of my day-to-day life. The pressure to keep going, to keep performing, became unbearable. From the moment we wake up, we’re bombarded with messages, images, and ads designed to stoke anger, jealousy, FOMO, and of course, push us to buy things we don’t need.

Social media was supposed to connect us. But why does it feel like we're more disconnected than ever? There’s a loneliness epidemic. Everyone’s burnt out. Everyone’s sad.

The Paradox of Connection

I’m not alone in feeling this way. Social media was supposed to create communities, foster connection and bring people together. But somehow, it’s done the opposite. It’s turned our relationships into transactions. It’s made us more isolated, more performative, more obsessed with numbers—followers, likes, retweets—than genuine connection. Everyone's an "influencer" now, and we’re all performing for someone. I guess. Your life gets boiled down to content, and if it’s not marketable, then what’s the point?

This is especially true for journalists. For many of us, social media is now an integral, albeit unpaid, part of the job. We’ve been told time and again that we need a platform, that our value as creators is tied directly to our follower count. It’s become an expectation, even a requirement, as traditional media erodes and freelance work becomes extinct. But what happens when the desire for “engagement” supersedes actual knowledge, experience, or expertise? What happens when being first trumps being accurate? Pun intended.

The Burnout Is Real

It’s exhausting. And frankly, it’s exhausting in ways I didn’t expect. I feel like a hamster on a wheel—always running, always posting, always striving for validation, and yet, always coming up empty. The dopamine rush of a Retweet or a “like” doesn’t hit the same way it used to. It’s a hollow cycle that’s harder and harder to justify. So, I’m hitting the brakes.

I’m changing how I use social media. No more mindlessly scrolling. No more feeling pressured to keep up with the latest celebrity trends or breaking news. I’m done giving away free content to tech billionaires who profit off our energy and creativity. I’ll still post professional updates when necessary, but otherwise, I’m looking forward to recharging in real life.

The Need to Unplug

It’s time to find balance again. Social media has its benefits, but it has also become an unmanageable beast that demands too much of our attention and energy. It no longer feels like a space for connection; it’s more like a constant drain. I want to reclaim my time and mental space, away from the endless notifications and algorithmic pressure.

So, here’s to taking a step back. Here’s to unplugging. We all deserve a break, even if it's just from the digital noise. Let’s get back to what really matters—real connections, real moments, and real joy.

I’ll be here, recharging.