Why I Left Social Media (for a bit): Finding Authentic Connections in a Digital Age 🤳🏻
A few weeks ago, I made what some might consider a radical decision in today's hyperconnected world: I deleted Instagram and TikTok from my phone.
As someone working on their dissertation and craving deeper connections, I felt it was time to reassess how I spend my energy and attention. What I've discovered since then has been both surprising and affirming.
The Illusion of Connection
We've all been there – scrolling through endless stories, double-tapping photos, and watching quick snippets of people's lives flash before our eyes. We tell ourselves this keeps us connected, informed, and part of our friends' lives. But does it really?
What I've realized is that social media often creates an illusion of connection. We become passive observers in each other's lives rather than active participants and contributors. We know what someone had for breakfast or where they vacationed, but when was the last time we had a meaningful conversation with them?
Rediscovering Authentic Connection
Since stepping away from these platforms, I've experienced a profound shift in how I maintain relationships. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through feeds, I now:
Send intentional text messages to check in on friends
Schedule regular coffee dates and walks
Make phone calls (or FaceTime calls) to catch up
Plan in-person meetups with purpose and presence
The result? My connections feel richer, more meaningful, and surprisingly more manageable. Without the constant noise of hundreds of surface-level interactions, I can focus on nurturing the relationships that truly matter.
Tips for Building Meaningful Connections
If you're looking to deepen your relationships and create more authentic connections, here are some approaches that have worked for me:
Intentional Connection: Establish regular check-ins with your inner circle. This could be a monthly dinner club, weekly video calls, or bi-weekly walking dates. The key is consistency and intentionality.
Practice Active Listening: When you're with someone, be fully present. Put your phone away and engage in genuine conversation. Ask thoughtful questions and really listen to the answers.
Share Vulnerably: Deep connections are built on trust and openness. Share your authentic experiences, challenges, and celebrations. This invites others to do the same.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on nurturing a smaller number of meaningful relationships rather than maintaining hundreds of surface-level connections.
A New Way to Connect
As part of my journey toward more meaningful connection, I've created a space where we can engage more intentionally. My Patreon community offers a more intimate setting for sharing and connecting, without the pressure of perfectly curated content or constant updates.
Here's what you'll find:
Daily authentic photo updates and honest musings about life
A thoughtful book club where we can dive deep into ideas together
Monthly video sessions where we can connect face-to-face
A space where being present matters more than being perfect
Join Me on This Journey
If you're craving more authentic connection and want to be part of a community that values depth over breadth, I invite you to join me on Patreon. This isn't just another platform – it's a space for genuine connection, thoughtful discussion, and shared growth.
Together, we can create something meaningful, away from the noise and pressure of traditional social media. Because at the end of the day, what matters most isn't how many followers we have, but the depth of our connections with those who truly care about our wellbeing.
Here's to choosing presence over pixels, and depth over digital distractions. 🌟
Support my journey and join our community on Patreon: