Navigating Social Exhaustion: A Personal Journey Beyond the Social Media Whirlwind

After a decade immersed in the social media whirlwind of posts, likes, and reels, I've made a conscious decision to step back—not to diminish the joy others find in it but for the sake of my own well-being.

My FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) manifested as anxiety, and social exhaustion became my lifestyle for a significant period. I no longer find satisfaction in making my existence visible on any platform.

My journey on social media was never about self-promotion or showcasing an idealized lifestyle. I genuinely can't keep up with both, nor do I have the desire to. I'm unpredictable and paradoxical in my life choices, be it fashion, food, or music, which will remain the same and questionable to many, including myself. It was about joining the online conversation, staying informed, and grasping the zeitgeist.

However, the relentless need to stay constantly updated and engage with others began taking a toll on my emotional and mental well-being. This burden was exacerbated by the platform's shift towards heavy advertising, making me feel more like a commodity than an individual.

"Am I spending my time to earn, only to exchange it for more items on social media?"

The ceaseless pursuit of extraordinary experiences and photogenic moments left me yearning for the simplicity of enjoying everyday life. The culmination of all these pressures led to a state of complete social exhaustion, leaving my brain fatigued and unable to find joy in the ordinary. I just want to eat, exist, do my things, and sleep.

I'm yet to discover if stepping away will improve my creativity and productivity. I shy away from using the term productivity; some needs in our lives can't or should not be measured.

"Social exhaustion was my lifestyle for a very long time; I no longer find joy in making my presence known on any platform."

Hard to Navigate Life With Diverse Interests:

Juggling my diverse interests is like riding the unpredictable waves of the ocean. These interests of mine, ever-changing and dynamic, evolve in a way that resembles the ebb and flow of the sea. The constant influx of content—new trends, styles, and an exaggerated sense of everything—became overwhelming. Staying in sync with these changes and diverse topics proved to be a challenge, and the current cultural dynamics on social media left me feeling uneasy and detached from the genuine online atmosphere I once craved.

Life and Relationships:

It's hard to move on from people I once loved when I constantly see them as if they are still part of my life. I genuinely cared about them and the world they live in, but it became overwhelming to leave behind the version of myself I couldn't fit into. Social media was a thread that was holding onto that world.

Understanding Social and Political Dynamics:

These platforms became a tangled web for me when it comes to social and political dynamics. Leaving comments or liking posts seemed increasingly insignificant, drowned out by the cacophony of fake news and the relentless pointing out of who is right and who is wrong. It is a world for many and should remain a world of diversity and acceptance. A little utopian, but it is possible. Social media divides people and truly brings out the worst in most of us.

Comparison and Envy:

The concept of looking at them and what they are doing emerged in my life often, prompting a crucial question about my happiness: Am I genuinely happy, or am I evading true emotions? I am on a path of self-exploration and my goals, or am I just living someone else's life?

Social media, once a haven for genuine expression, transformed into a realm of constant comparisons in terms of jobs, lifestyles, and possessions—a surreal experience. I enjoy a surreal story, but not this.

Reflecting on its impact on self-esteem and mental well-being, I've come to realize that stepping away can contribute to a healthier self-image, still exploring. It's crucial to acknowledge that people expressing emotions beyond happiness shouldn't be discouraged. Breaking the cycle of pretending to be happy while others feign sadness became an imperative realization.

The Question of Boundaries and Does It Matter:

Navigating the whole boundary game on social media is a bit perplexing. There are times when I stumble upon personal moments in people's lives, and the unspoken expectation is to hit that like button. But here's the kicker—should I really be partaking in their personal joy if I'm not actively experiencing it with them in real-time? It seems a tad absurd. I'm genuinely happy for them, but the whole liking ritual feels like a virtual high-five to something I'm not really a part of.

In light of these feelings of social exhaustion, changing interests, and a diminished sense of value, I've chosen to bid farewell to social media. It's a personal choice, and while I respect that others may find joy and connection on these platforms, for me, it's time to step back and reassess how I want to engage with the online world.

The Only Thing I Really Miss from Social Media:

Genuine artistry, people with pets—cats, dogs, and name it all—and people who genuinely talk about philosophy. I even miss those who post good music, but now, I prefer "Hey, I found this music. I think you'll like it." after a mountain trek.