There was one moment in my current 10 month long social media detox (partially inspired by you) that made me realize I really shouldn't go back and will likely never relapse. When I deleted all social media, I had the mindset of "Oh maybe I'll return after I learn to live life without social media and can possibly use it in a healthy way, whenever that may be"..But what I have recently realized is the conumdrum that that mindset presents..If I stop doing something to improve the quality of my life..what is the purpose of going back to it after I improve my quality of life?
Wonderful testimonial. I've had Smartphones since 2017, but in all that time I've rarely ever used them. Apart from playing video games in between flights or using the map or translation apps when I'm abroad. Apart from the abovementioned, I've rarely ever used them in excess of making or taking calls. Honesty, they're just not that useful to me and apart from having to carry it in case of emergency, I'm happy just leaving it on the kitchen counter. Perhaps I'm the most uncharacteristically millennial, millennial on the planet. That being said, perhaps it makes me more aware of their prevalence in society. Like when you're walking and it seems like every other pedestrian is looking down at their phone. It's funny when they crash into one another, then carry on without even looking up. It's going to be even funnier when they start getting the virtual goggle phones. Everyone walking around flailing, tapping, swiping and flapping into thin air. So glad you're breaking free of this. My sister is going through the same as you.
Continuing to use social media to promote not using social media? Idk. Maybe use your graphics programs to make posters, speak events coffeehouses, colleges, libraries, eg.
I was 14 when social apps started becoming popular and I can’t believe how much time I must have spent on them! I struggle the most with Instagram reels as well. I make excuses and tell myself that it’s okay cause I’m mostly looking at recipes, fitness, minimalist lifestyle accounts and not ‘the silly stuff’ but does it really make a difference when I’m sitting on the couch scrolling; instead of cooking the food, going out for a run or cleaning the house? I bought the dopamine nation book for same day delivery, can’t wait to read it!
I think it’s easier to be addicted when you have a chronic illness because it’s not as easy for us to just ‘go out and live’. When you’re sick, often bedridden or restricted to being at home, our phones end up being our main source of entertainment. I’m trying to reduce my time though with limits and other hobbies I can do in bed like reading.
Just deleted tiktok because of this video. It made my heart race!!! Who knew deleting an app was such a scary thing! Thank you for helping me start my journey away from social media ❤
I stopped using social media and it made me realize that entertainment really peaked a long time ago. I realize that nowadays there aren’t many new shows, movies, books, or video games that are actually good.
I think an additional reason why so many people feel addicted goes back to that line that was said. "Why spend so much time on this phone when the outdoors looks like THIS." Cue pretty drone footage of nice location. But so many people don't live in nice locations. They may live in sprawling cities with concrete as far as the eye can see, or in broken homes, or in places where the climate is so deadly it could literally hurt them. So more people turn inward than ever before, because the internet is always safe, always nice, and always tailored for them. This coincides with lots of research that talks about the loss of third places, especially in North America. There are extremely few places for people to just go and exist without spending money, and even when those places exist, getting to them easily and conveniently can be extremely difficult because of the way our cities our designed. It all combos to drive us further insularly and further atomize ourselves.
I definitely agree on how stepping outside is just paying a bill. Yea there are beautiful places to see but they are so many restrictions. Gas money, recreational fees and so on. Also finding the time go when you have to do school and or work.
@@mariaxii We are only at school and work for about 8 hours unless you work overtime or multiple jobs even then you should still have at least 1 - 4 hours of free time or time where you most likely don't have to do something assuming you aren't the most important person at your job where you manage everything. We have a lot more free time than we think we do everyone has some amount of time to spare difference is we spend it on our phones or social media rather than doing that thing we wanna do it's typically an excuse very rarely is it reality. Yes things are expensive but how often are people buying starbucks or coffee that is waaay over priced when they could just make it at home, if you live in a city you can get a bus pass or train pass there is also beautiful things to see in cities as well parks which typically are free, rivers, lakes, even a cool building or some neat looking street art
@@MyNamesHunter75 You have a fair point that people do in fact waste money on overpriced coffee. But I know many people that work overtime or have multiple jobs. Those 1-4 hours are usually used to rest from long working hours for most. But I do agree that there are some free spots despite the costs.
Your generation was failed by most of the people in the last three generations who proceeded you. You all are owed more support, as we move into a completely connected world. None of us can understand the world you were born into, and the people talking about screen time in the 90s mainly fell out of our consciousness. It is reassuring listening to GEN Z talking about this. It gives me encouragement about the future!
Problem is. Its not just gen Z thats addicted its all generations using short form content. You might be use to doing things differently because of the way you grew up but I still catch my parents not concentrating on a task because their phone distracted them with short form content. When I removed social media I realized my generation wasn’t the only one with the problems. Hell even my grandmother scrolls with short form. The design is flawed… back in the 90s the internet was hardly addictive. It wasn’t such a commodity. There were more obstacles to take to get to what you wanted online, now there are no obstacles. Its specifically designed to be as easy to use and convenient as possible.
Sadly this Problem is rooted way deeper, X and Millenials werent all that treated better. Change is happening too fast and No one wanted to acknowledge it until Millenials und Z really Started to suffer
It's not just our generation. My parents, who are both in their 50s are totally addicted to Facebook. Also, I don't think Gen-z has "failed" in anything, people who say Gen-Z is the worst generation and generations before us were better, just does not know history.
This is not about blame. It is hard for people who were not alive at the time to know what things were like. Generations used to pass on knowledge to the next generation and try to make life better for them. That started to change after WWII. The current generation is adrift in a way that has not happened before. That does not mean wallow in self pity. But, knowing why this is not normal can help people make choices that will build safer lives for themselves and their eventual families. I think the idea of breaking out of these bad life habits is the point of the video. I added my comment hoping it might help some people choose a better direction for themselves.
For me, I've found that my social media addiction thrives when i don't have enough to do. There's a very careful balance I need to strike of being busy, but not TOO busy, in order to thrive. Without commitments and projects, I fill my idle time with scrolling.
I've had Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Tiktok. I deleted all my social media accounts and can't be happier. I have had some comments like "you have no social media?" and "how can you live without social media?" I'm currently 2 years without social media
I totally relate to the addiction to social media in short forms especially. It took me 2 years to step out completely from Instagram and twitter. I would memorize accounts and check them via browser even without login in. I felt sad for you when you stepped back in, but it's great that you managed to find your way out once again! Congrats 🎉
Found you on a period in which I really feel that my relationship with social media is not healthy and this is so relatable. Everyday I feel lost about my life, I hate my job and those free hours I have I am just sitting there scrolling short content form video… I hope to manage to detox from all this
I deleted Tiktok around 2-3 years ago, however I installed Instagram as an 'alternative' thinking that it wasn't the same as Tiktok and it would reduce the time I spend on social media. Every time I scroll on Insta reels I feel so unproductive and guilty, seeing everyone happy and sharing the best moments made me feel very lonely. I've been off Instagram for 2 months and I've been spending 2-3 hours walking with my friends, my mental health is so much better and as a result I have a consistent schedule.
I am writing from Afghanistan. I loved what you said and totally agree with you; life is beautiful and social media keeps us away from real life. I am really happy and motivated by this video to reinforce my will power to fight back the feeling of going back to the days with hours wasted on social media.
I've struggled with substances and it was up til 2021 that I stomped my rock bottom! I went sober on my 21s, im now two years sober and about to turn 23... Addiction is so stigmatized now days, specially in our generation; I hear peeps at uni saying no one is an Addict until you graduate college or until you are in your 40s. The reality is that addiction is a progressive sickness, and it comes in all shades and colors. During my process (which is still on-going) I found myself changing addictions for addictions; when i stop drinking and using* I started stopping, when i "healed" my impulsiveness shopping i started consuming social media a lot and feeling my gaps with it. During this search of the dopamine hit, I realized that my use, substance, or addictive behavior was not my problem. It was my solution. Fam, addictions are baffling and cunning, but there is help out there! There are some amazing humans like Lucy supporting and doing wonderful things ! Let's bring down the stigma, and let's talk about these topics! The more we talk, the less the stigma.
If you want to get out of social media for good, delete it definitely. Not "temporary deactivate". There's a huge difference, temporary means that you eventually will come back. If you delete it permanently you will most likely not going back again. Just advice :) nice vid
I want to but the problem is that I’m chained to it because social media is the main way I communicate with my friends since they live far away or are on vacation. I know it’s my responsibility and i probably sound like I’m making excuses rn but I can’t find myself able to delete it because my friends are on it and I end up getting addicted
I struggle with mental health and when I'm particularly unwell I can perfectly spend multiple hours straight scrolling through tiktok or instagram trying to deconnect from my own thoughts. It's addicting because its numbing, and it prevents you from having to actually process whatever's going on in your head
great vid, i deleted social media for about 7 months and felt so much better, much more present and generally happier. I also thought i could go back on instagram in a more controlled and healthier manner, thing is you're literally fighting against a supercomputer with hyper intelligent programming designed to keep you addicted so i just fell back into old habits of death scrolling lol as well as just generally feeling shittier due to use of the app, fully deleted it for 3 months and feel great again! life is short and way shorter when were all plugged in when we need to be embracing the intensity and beauty of life and being in the present moment as opposed to living our life for the validation of others and trying constantly to project some kind of image. All the best and keep up the awesome content, its brill :)
My gosh that picture of you at 18.... it really hits home for me. I feel like a broken record saying it, but it truly is tragic to see so many girls feel the need to look like that. It's why I get so discouraged using dating apps and end up deleting them not long after. I don't want to look at hundreds of pictures of the same style, the same make up, the same poses.. I'm so sick of it. Where are the moles, the freckles, where is that one slanted tooth or crooked thing that makes you unique? I'd rather hear the story behind the bags under your eyes than pretending they don't exist and life is only up. Excuse the rant. More on topic, there indeed really is no need for social media. Not for events, not for your grandmother, nothing. There's nothing which isn't achievable outside of social media if you are just that; social. Even whatsapp groups can be unnecessarily stressful and addictive.
Yes - i (old guy) wondered why i havent seen anyone i find attractive for years (even much younger) - did not know that this "style" is a thing. Social media - unfortunately - for me essential for events, and then you get drawn into all that other stuff.
You've explained the vicious cycle perfectly! I didn't understand why I was always repeating these bad habits, even though I know about all these side-effects of social media and I always thought it was just an act of self-pity. But viewing everything from a psychological and neurological point of view, helps me understand my behaviour that contradicts my values. Thank you!
This video was so calming . I liked the back ground music and it volume was low , editing was amazing and your voice on top was a great match . Instant subscription. thanks
I know I have a social media addiction, my screentime is about 7-14hours/day. I can't even make my bed without a tiktok or podcast playing in the background. I can't read books anymore, atleast more than a few pages without getting distracted. It sucks.
Do something about it. Hunny I used to spend 10+ hours a day and the internet traumatised me irreversibly. Even if you're mentally ill I was too, having psychotic depression and being an undiagnosed autistic made me want to find comfort in the internet but despite all odds I deleted all socials and finally started utilizing the internet where it could help me. (Aka finding out ways I can heal / cope with my own mental illness without a therapist, they be expensive af) anyways what in trying to say here is just as I did and what many people are starting to realize too, you can also get out of it.
so many more people need to see this, and most of us are completely unaware. As I've been spending my time away from these distractions I've come to many different realisations, i could've never made otherwise, a few you mentioned in this video. It is merely an escape, an illusive light leading you further and further down the tunnel of darkness.
When i was 6, i vowed to myself to never use social media casually ever in my life and i swear that decision saved my future. They laughed at me when i said i dont use tiktok, but they couldnt speak when i asked them to show their average screen time
Hi Lucy, I write here from Brazil, but I lived in your country last year. I'm not from generation Z but from generation Y and I've been off social media for 7 months. Impressive how I am developing, looking at myself and living the moments. I notice that people are anxious, disconnected from the real world. I intend not to go back and enjoy life as it is. A big hug
Thank you Lucy. Such a deep and esoteric video that's full of honest and genuine reflection that feels so personal. I've gone through the same cycle that seems daily. Picking up my phone, finding myself on social media, a vague collection of scrolling and time passing, putting it down and frustration, and picking it up again just so I can feel "normal." Thank you for continuing to show us the pathway away -- to stop living vicariously through experiences and start LIVING experiences.
So much time wasted when there’s life to live and things to do that could be so much more fulfilling and productive. I’m undergoing my own social media detox and it’s the best decision I ever made!
@@LucyAlllan I have only been off for a week or two at the mo but the benefits are already huge i want to try at least a 3 month detox and just decrease from there!👍
I'm not Gen-Z but this is still relatable. I feel without using social media, I become a hermit. And life is lonely enough as is. Sometimes the apps do make you feel worse (I wish I had this, I wish I was at this place, had this girl, had these kind of friends etc), but to me deleting it enhances your isolation. ugh
beautiful girl. I can relate to almost everything ur comunicating. Also im from argentina, and here we are pretty much blessed, because the terrible economic situation is making tecnology advance slower and people here are more old fashioned, so being able to remain real and social media free is somehow easy. Saludos amiga segui con tu canal que esta bueno y ayuda a mucha gente dejar la basura de adiccion al telefono y vivir sus vidas mejor. capa total
As a Gen zer who makes my money online, it is really hard to get away. I used to detox from it all the time before having this as my job. But as I've gotten older, I've realized it's all about mindfulness and intentionality. I really admire what you are doing though. Great job.
I really enjoyed watching your video! I managed to delete TikTok about 2 years ago (kinda proud) and only since then I realized how addicting it really is and that you can absolutely live without it haha
0:05 it’s pathetic too. Social media makes kids/“tweens” (I despise that term) believe that they’re special or mEnTaLLy iLL. It’s absolutley ridiculous imo. I joined social media at the ripe age of 11 back in 2007 and used MSN. Those days of social media was great as EVERYONE was social. Nowadays, it’s just a joke tbh. I’m not on socia media (only had to post my poetry which did gain me a number of followers actually), but it’s been almost 10yrs since I had Instagram. Glad you made this video. Only just saw this video pop up on my yt home screen and had no idea you existed until I saw this and decided to comment/rant lol.
Hi Lucy, I love your content. Your journey with social media truly allowed me to begin my own. So much so that I made my own YT video on social media and it is really thanks to you. This is such an important message for our generation. I hope more people realise this. Thank you again :)
Let me say, I’ve tried quitting for 2 weeks to „prove“ to myself that I could. Cool experience, but very hard. What I’ve recently noticed is that the principle of avoiding rather that seeking seems to be a major part of the issue. If you think about it, social media makes us avoid pains in life and a social media detox makes us avoid something again. Instead it feels important to determine what you truly desire, what you will not accept living without, before achieving it. I tend to do things I don’t want to do when I have no purpose or feel bad about myself. Another helpful practice to some people is to make a strict calendar or day plan for each day to carry out. We fall into bad, or autopilot habits when we don’t have something specific to do. Make sure to give yourself scheduled free time as well though or you will burn yourself out ^^
I sailed to French Polynesia alone and spent a painful amount of time while there on social media while I could have been making memories in some of the best places on the planet. It's real.
I think I am the last generation who lived a childhood without tech (like at all) and who also now lives in this tech driven world. The thing that people say “FOMO” is actually kinda triggering for me because I DOOOOOO completely miss out and get forgotten about 100% immediately. Like it’s literally true. I am a stay at home mom with heaps of kids. Who asks me out? No one. I also did the Jordan Peterson personality test and scored 98% extroverted but here I am. At home. With my kids. Disconnected but wondering why the hell I even care.
Family is super important, but I understand where you are coming from. I hope you can friend a great circle of friends who are on the same boat as you so you can go through it together. People are stronger together ♥️
while watching this video, i signed out of my accounts on twitter, tiktok and instagram (the three that really made me so addicted to social media) thank you. I don’t know if i’ll do it permanently, but for this month, I want to stay off it for at least 3 weeks. Wish me luck !!!
Most addictions are a personal struggle. I don’t really see social media as a crazy drug. But if you can’t live a normal life because of it , then yes you have a problem.
Thank you for doing this video, what amazing courage & compassion you have to make a video like this to help others overcome their challenges with phone addiction. Great job and stay strong!
What an important topic! Very cool that you decided to record a video about it. Our whole channel is about a healthy relationship with tech and we're very against social media and replacing human contact with apps.
thank you so much for sharing this. I think we are at a most unusual period in history. I often imagine this analogy: what if an alcoholic is determined to quit the drinking habit and is committed to doing what ever it takes to quit, but this person is given a rule that they have to work in a bar and they have to taste test the liquor everyday, just a little bit, to make sure it taste good for the customers. Imagine how utterly impossible it would be to overcome drinking. This is our situation with social media (or any media for that matter). I believe the social media addiction begins with an addiction to the screen and it will always lead back to the most potent form of dopamine it can provide. right now, that is short form social media and adult content etc. I simply have no idea how we, as a society, are going to pull out of this, short of some kind of cataclysm that completely resets our culture. I am sounding like a doomsday'er, and I cringe a little when I hear myself talk about this kind of thing, because I always try to be rational and opened minded. But over the years (I am 45 yrs old), I have seen how this whole media thing has evolved, and it has made me an extremist in my thinking about this topic. This technology has devoured us from the the inside out and I believe in a few more years, something has got to happen.
I thought I should say I subscribed to you a few months ago cause you remind me of this relentless girl named violet markey from all the bright places. It’s my comfort movie so my mind has just deemed you it’s comfort person and I could never be happier
I just came across your channel, and I'm going to sub straightaway. I use mainly YT because I love long form content, I'm not on IG and Tik Tok. I'm an old soul so I still I have my FB but mostly because of my contacts and messenger. I don't know how people got so hooked up on reels etc, When my mum uses her phone it just gets on my nerves all that screaming and fast-paced empty messages... You seem such a smart young person, with a beautiful healing energy... so well-versed for pods/ video essays xo xo
I watch videos like this every once in awhile, but I don't think I can stop. I've deleted and reinstalled apps so many times. I've set screentime limits only to ignore them. But as of right now, the internet is the only thing keeping me distracted from my problems. I think that if I cut it out, I'll go crazy.
Maybe deal with your problems instead of sticking your head in the digital sands. Don't think you're alone in dealing with them either. Sometimes you need to enlist help from friends, family, maybe professionals. I don't know what you're going through, so maybe I might be coming off as insensitive here. But as I heard someone say, if therapy doesn't work, hire a dominatrix.
I have an Internet addiction, just like practically everyone my age. This may be a strange way of looking at things but what saddens me most is the collective alienation we experience not only in relation to other humans but to ourselves, our inner-lives; the creative background of our personality. Due to the constant bombardment of programming assaulting our minds on a daily basis we only ever get a break from it (sort of) when we're fully unconscious in sleep. The result is that we are molded and shaped into a generic being that pales in comparison to the fruits of our extraordinary ability to look into our own souls for who we are and how to become who we are. People nowadays have nothing in themselves, not a single treasure that would make them truly independent, if only in thought. We will see what happens to society when it is occupied with people who resemble more "unlived life" than life...
OMG I REMEMBER WATCHING YOUR VIDEO A YEAR AGO I wanted to quit social media so badly after wathing it and but struggled to quit for a year. In 2023 January, I finally did it. I wasn’t there for 3 months then sadly, i redownloaded instagram. I’m feeling very disappointed in myself but I’m going to try quitting again this summer
Thanks for putting this video out there :) I am definietly in denial about being addicted to social media so I'm gonna do a 48 detox and see how I feel. If I feel myself wanted to scroll then I will consider just deleting it all together. You are an inspiration, thank you again!
Deleting my social media was the best thing i did, this was like 3 year ago, in beginning was hard, but after few months I got used to it. Maybe for me was more ease because i am more older and i knew the world befoar social medias
What I think MUST be taught and talked about social media addiction... Don't blame yourself for going back, and never (really, never) think you can control it in a healthy way (if things continue like right now, with no regulation at all). Social media are, nowadays, digital casinos you give to underage children. You can't control your addiction, because it is made for addiction. And the time restrictions are just bullshit: instead of making their apps less addictive, they're blaming you for not being able to disconnect of a device meant for addiction.
Thank you sister I realize a lot of things when I watch other people talking about addiction But this month I really honestly hurt myself so much when I got back to all my addictions, I realize I’ve been hurting myself and I never fixed it. Your video and your point in 6:49 Is really really Smartt and now I realize and understand my problem fully and I’m aware of me.
i am literally the SAME. i hate my phone. Its boring, dead, and i just want tonlive life tbh. Ofc text friends, and for spotify, but that is it. I HATE MT PHPNE, and yet, i am somehow addicted
Similar to me and soda. One day I thought, do I truly like this, and can I ignore how bad it is for me? No and no, and I haven't had soda in 6 years, and I feel so proud of that fact. Less caffeine, less sugar, and a greater chance of not getting kidney stones, which soda can cause, which is pretty heckin sweet.
I work in tech and I am definitely addicted to social medias. It is my only addiction honestly but I feel the negative consequences, and have been for a few years now. Because my job requires me to use my computer and my cellphone all day long it's harder to stop because I can't no use my devices. I get something to test on my phone and then I get sucked in and start to scroll for a few minutes...sometimes hours and then I feel bad and work overtime to compensate. And then to unwind after a long day at work (because I compensated) I turn my brain off & open my phone to watch videos or scroll on social medias... I want.nothing more than break the cycle honestly, I feel it sucking the life out of me. I even thought of switching careers to stop spending my life connected.
I had that moment of realisation on technology when I first got the sims 2. I thought "yes, now I can do whatever I want in this world", so I sat my sims at a computer. Minutes later, "why is this so boring". I'm curently glued to technology but your video made me remember that.
Wonderful video! I'm not a Gen Z but I'm always baffled when I end up sitting next to a young person with social media addiction on a plane, which happens all the time (also, do they just pay for wi-fi? Are there offline modes?). Just being next to them for a few hours or so drains me and gives me so much anxiety. So I can only begin to imagine what it does to their mental health.
I'm 19 and since I was 15 I wasted so much time on RUclips,idols and celebrity's lifestyles,instagram and so on and I just recognized that I could have spent it differently I'm not gonna do that again
Thank you so much for the video, I think it's gonna change my life, really. Specially the part where you mention that i.e. cooking doesn't make you feel bad after it, neither does meeting some friends. But social media does. Again, thanks for the video.
Im a 13 year old girl and I also recognize myself in this situation, I’m also addicted… I want to delete social media and focus on the things around me but that’s kind of impossible as a teenager these days. Everyone is following the newest trend, they’re always updated and that’s all because of social media, that will be a thing I miss and that’s the hardest thing for me. Is there a way that I can be less addicted to social media but also stay a bit updated? btw your video is so great, I think you’re inspiring a lot of people (also me) and I think more people should start thinking about their social media addiction and realize how beautiful the world around them is.
The way you stay connected is communicating with your friends irl, not passively absorbing their content on apps just to stay in the loop. I know as a teen it feels so important to be in the loop, but it might be time to talk to some of your friends about this to see if anyone is on the same page.
I’m a 25 year old Gen Z, I will be 26 this year. But I don’t think this problem only applies to us specifically, I can also say that my parents have a social media addiction and their always on they’re phones most of the time, that’s cause this problems relates to all generations who have access to social and digital media 🫶🏽🤝🏽 it’s wasting all of our time and energy and making us lazy 😅
Thank you for sharing your experience Lucy. I just deleted all my socials and this helps me. I also just bought that book you recommended and I will start reading now. Much love ❤️ LV
If we spend just 1 hour a day on social media, that is 365 per year, minus 8hrs per day for sleep and you get 23 WHOLE DAYS a year wasted!! This calculation really got me thinking.. As someone born in 1991 I was on social media since around 15.. I gave it toooo much until now. Maybe it is time to move on with my life?
Thanks for making this video. I'm 23 an this is THE biggest problem of our generation and I'm thankful that you covered that important topic. ❤ from Berlin ✌🏻
You're amazing. Thank you so much for this video. Starting my journey now and couldn't be more certain that I want to be free of all of this stuff too. It's gonna be an amazing life I'm so sure. Again, thanks! Hugs from Brazil 💛💚💙
I deleted Instagram and Tiktok for a couple months in the past, but then I went back on, because I realised I had to in order to succeed at the work I wanted to do…but, because of that type of career my screen time is at an all time high and I’m contemplating switching to something else instead. I’m feeling really divided about this and I’m not sure what’s the best course of action to take. Thought I would share, in case other people struggle with this as well, those that are maybe doing Social media managing/marketing as a career or are creators on social media platforms and their work is directly related to it. If you have any advice or want to say something that could help in any way, I’d love to hear it! Sending lots of love and strength to you all 🙏🏼❤
I'm slowly nurturing the idea of deleting all my social media accounts as my new year's resolution for 2024. I'm a gen z too and way too addicted to my phone (daily screen time averages on 3 hours). A couple of months ago I deactivated Instagram, which was my unhealthy dopamine resource, but I guiltly replaced it with TikTok and Twitter. Most of my friends are deleting Instagram as well, so we're all sort of collectively in this quest of social media detox. Watching your video made me realize I still have a long way ahead of getting rid of this garbage since I also can't use these platforms in a healthy way
I totally agree with this but, as a young woman who doesn't have friends to go out with and is not interest in dating apps, it feels like loneliness can only be cured by distracting yourself with video, social and such. You could say "just go out by yourself" but when you live in a small town in italy what's there to do if not be alone in nature and think about how depressing my life is? Social are addicting because it gives you some sort of control. I'm not with that specific person right now, but I can know what their doing by an ig story and so be observant of other people lifes. I should focus on my own, I know, but I really have nothing if not myself. On a journey trying to feel happy with my life and myself, I use social to take inspiration and also to make myself do things I fear of doing because of judgement or embarrassment (a simple post can be taken as a form of exposure therapy in a sense). So while I think social media are definetely bad on long term, I still can't give it up and I'll take advantage of them while trying to become who i want to be
I'm 28, the youngest millennial or the oldest Gen Z; you decide. I remember when Facebook was cool and enhanced social relations. We used to meet a lot of people and share group photos, even while doing ordinary things like watching a movie with friends on a couch. Nowadays, social networks are just human farms where humans make money for the Zuck by watching short videos. I also used to be a Vine content creator, and my conclusion is that the world wasn't prepared to spend its days feeling depressed while watching low-quality content. That's why Vine died.
Great video! I have a very addictive personality, so I struggle with everything(food, alcohol, social included) so it’s been so hard to quit. I delete it from my phone and then just go on my browser. I hate it!
For me its hard, being away from social media because u feel left out in group settings. Like instagram made it easy for us to connect and talk to people but at the same time i understand that it is meaningless talk. I deleted all my social media apps like 3 months ago but yesterday i met my old school friends and i was feeling so alone and left out because i dont know wt they were all talking about and like they photos and tagged each other but i was not there? If tht makes sense. Can someone pls help me motivate 😭😭🥺
I've conquered a few of my addictions (Alcohol, Energy Drinks, Sugar, Spending, Violent video games), but the one I am still struggling with is with my computer. I'm not real big on Social Media, but I am on FB and I keep whatsapp because I have a friend who prefers to use it for messaging. I'm talking about my overall computer usage most of which is internet related. I've been wanting to cut back for ages but somehow I cannot seem to make it happen...
Any tips on quitting energy drinks? I really want to stop having them but I'm struggling big time. I get to about 3-4pm and then feel like I need to have one. On average I've been having two 500ml cans every day for about 7 years now, which is just horrendous.
Lucy, you deactivated it 10:12! that's what you did last time and that's why it just reactivated and came back when you logged back in. You have to go to permanently delete. I noticed that you deactivated in your other video the first time you left social media, so I'm just looking out for you. But also I love your videos so much as a 17 yr old who has also currently deleted all her social media accounts I am so inspired and motivated by you! Thank you for your content and just the continuous positivity and clarity you promote on your channel❤
I know you have no intention of ever going back but you also wanted it absolutely permanently gone so I thought I should just let you be aware of that!
Thank you so much for letting me know! I deactivated it because I still have the archives I haven’t downloaded that I don’t want to lose so it’s something I’m going to have to do in the future so I can fully delete it! But be rest assured, you won’t find me back on the app!:)
I was also highly addicted to my phone, but my phone was stolen and the anxiety and depression I have gotten after that made me realize how much I was addicted to my phone. and I am learning how to live my life without phone. and I am writing this on my pc.
I can spend 20+ hours a week on social media, especially Tiktok. And as a SAHM that makes me feel so guilty. I am so determined to break this addiction.
Watching this made me go look at my screen time on social media. For context, I work 50 hours a week and I still somehow spent over 16 hours on socials this week. I lost one full waking day to TikTok. I've quit before unsuccessfully but it's time to delete the app again.
Thank you soo much for putting this out❤ i was on detox from 2021 July to 2022 October and had lot of FOMO, started using it by lying to myself but it’s scary that I miss my friends, which happened before, nobody really remembers me, hardly anyone you have in life kind of feeling. What do you suggest to overcome this FOMO?
From my 2 year detox, I learned that I didn’t lose a single friend. I kept WhatsApp and my true friends always stayed in contact! Everything else is unimportant ♥️
I love your videos ❤️ your first ever video about deleting social media has inspired me to delete my social media apps from my phone however I couldn't get myself to do it for all these years, as it was just hard...I have deleted social media apps from my phone on Monday and I hope it stays this way because I was honestly spending way too much time on it and not being aware of the things happening around me, the things that really matter such as educating myself, connecting with myself, having a better relationship with my fiancé, exploring more and just being in the present moment. I am very happy I finally decided to take this step and I'm happy to see what benefits this brings to my life ☺️
There was one moment in my current 10 month long social media detox (partially inspired by you) that made me realize I really shouldn't go back and will likely never relapse. When I deleted all social media, I had the mindset of "Oh maybe I'll return after I learn to live life without social media and can possibly use it in a healthy way, whenever that may be"..But what I have recently realized is the conumdrum that that mindset presents..If I stop doing something to improve the quality of my life..what is the purpose of going back to it after I improve my quality of life?
I cannot agree anymore with this… yes yes yes!!
♥️
I feel this way as well! I always told myself I’d go back but there’s no point. I’m much happier and feel more connected.
Wonderful testimonial.
I've had Smartphones since 2017, but in all that time I've rarely ever used them. Apart from playing video games in between flights or using the map or translation apps when I'm abroad.
Apart from the abovementioned, I've rarely ever used them in excess of making or taking calls.
Honesty, they're just not that useful to me and apart from having to carry it in case of emergency, I'm happy just leaving it on the kitchen counter.
Perhaps I'm the most uncharacteristically millennial, millennial on the planet.
That being said, perhaps it makes me more aware of their prevalence in society.
Like when you're walking and it seems like every other pedestrian is looking down at their phone.
It's funny when they crash into one another, then carry on without even looking up.
It's going to be even funnier when they start getting the virtual goggle phones.
Everyone walking around flailing, tapping, swiping and flapping into thin air.
So glad you're breaking free of this.
My sister is going through the same as you.
Continuing to use social media to promote not using social media? Idk. Maybe use your graphics programs to make posters, speak events coffeehouses, colleges, libraries, eg.
I knew that I’m addicted, but hearing you say 5 hours as a high benchmark of screen time really put it into perspective for me.
I was 14 when social apps started becoming popular and I can’t believe how much time I must have spent on them! I struggle the most with Instagram reels as well. I make excuses and tell myself that it’s okay cause I’m mostly looking at recipes, fitness, minimalist lifestyle accounts and not ‘the silly stuff’ but does it really make a difference when I’m sitting on the couch scrolling; instead of cooking the food, going out for a run or cleaning the house? I bought the dopamine nation book for same day delivery, can’t wait to read it!
Oh PLEASE tell me when you finish the book if you enjoyed it!! I cannot explain how important it was to me!!
Me too, im 14 and i dont have social media but still watch concerning amounts of RUclips. So im gonna switch to a flipphone and discipline myself.
I think it’s easier to be addicted when you have a chronic illness because it’s not as easy for us to just ‘go out and live’. When you’re sick, often bedridden or restricted to being at home, our phones end up being our main source of entertainment. I’m trying to reduce my time though with limits and other hobbies I can do in bed like reading.
Hope everything gets better, and congrats on the mental strength, it was not meant to be easy to leave without technology!
@@oscarescobar4732 thank you Oscar
I completely understand this! Thank you for sharing, and I’m proud of you doing whatever you can♥️
@@LucyAlllan thank you 🤍 I’m trying my best
Totally relate I've been sick for a year now and have been at home the whole time. Have you tried reading books instead it helps x
Just deleted tiktok because of this video. It made my heart race!!! Who knew deleting an app was such a scary thing! Thank you for helping me start my journey away from social media ❤
Me too
I’m planning on this when Tik tok first blew up I vowed to never use it then I gave it a go now it gives me mental breakdowns and it’s super toxic
how has it been for u so far without it?
Me too 3 days ago. I was crying!
It's been a month, how are you doing now?
I stopped using social media and it made me realize that entertainment really peaked a long time ago. I realize that nowadays there aren’t many new shows, movies, books, or video games that are actually good.
Yes. Mostly everything is so surface level and lackluster
@@Rebecca.xoxoxo90’s to around 2005-2010 was peak entertainment
Luckily there's a backlog of all of those that has more to experience than you have time in your life.
Same.
A lot of underground music be popping off. If you like death metal for some reason, 2023 is the best year to look around online and find new stuff
I think an additional reason why so many people feel addicted goes back to that line that was said. "Why spend so much time on this phone when the outdoors looks like THIS." Cue pretty drone footage of nice location.
But so many people don't live in nice locations. They may live in sprawling cities with concrete as far as the eye can see, or in broken homes, or in places where the climate is so deadly it could literally hurt them. So more people turn inward than ever before, because the internet is always safe, always nice, and always tailored for them.
This coincides with lots of research that talks about the loss of third places, especially in North America. There are extremely few places for people to just go and exist without spending money, and even when those places exist, getting to them easily and conveniently can be extremely difficult because of the way our cities our designed. It all combos to drive us further insularly and further atomize ourselves.
I definitely agree on how stepping outside is just paying a bill. Yea there are beautiful places to see but they are so many restrictions. Gas money, recreational fees and so on. Also finding the time go when you have to do school and or work.
@@mariaxii We are only at school and work for about 8 hours unless you work overtime or multiple jobs even then you should still have at least 1 - 4 hours of free time or time where you most likely don't have to do something assuming you aren't the most important person at your job where you manage everything. We have a lot more free time than we think we do everyone has some amount of time to spare difference is we spend it on our phones or social media rather than doing that thing we wanna do it's typically an excuse very rarely is it reality.
Yes things are expensive but how often are people buying starbucks or coffee that is waaay over priced when they could just make it at home, if you live in a city you can get a bus pass or train pass there is also beautiful things to see in cities as well parks which typically are free, rivers, lakes, even a cool building or some neat looking street art
@@MyNamesHunter75 You have a fair point that people do in fact waste money on overpriced coffee. But I know many people that work overtime or have multiple jobs. Those 1-4 hours are usually used to rest from long working hours for most. But I do agree that there are some free spots despite the costs.
Your generation was failed by most of the people in the last three generations who proceeded you. You all are owed more support, as we move into a completely connected world. None of us can understand the world you were born into, and the people talking about screen time in the 90s mainly fell out of our consciousness. It is reassuring listening to GEN Z talking about this. It gives me encouragement about the future!
Problem is. Its not just gen Z thats addicted its all generations using short form content. You might be use to doing things differently because of the way you grew up but I still catch my parents not concentrating on a task because their phone distracted them with short form content. When I removed social media I realized my generation wasn’t the only one with the problems. Hell even my grandmother scrolls with short form. The design is flawed… back in the 90s the internet was hardly addictive. It wasn’t such a commodity. There were more obstacles to take to get to what you wanted online, now there are no obstacles. Its specifically designed to be as easy to use and convenient as possible.
Sadly this Problem is rooted way deeper, X and Millenials werent all that treated better. Change is happening too fast and No one wanted to acknowledge it until Millenials und Z really Started to suffer
It's not just our generation. My parents, who are both in their 50s are totally addicted to Facebook. Also, I don't think Gen-z has "failed" in anything, people who say Gen-Z is the worst generation and generations before us were better, just does not know history.
This is not about blame. It is hard for people who were not alive at the time to know what things were like. Generations used to pass on knowledge to the next generation and try to make life better for them. That started to change after WWII. The current generation is adrift in a way that has not happened before. That does not mean wallow in self pity. But, knowing why this is not normal can help people make choices that will build safer lives for themselves and their eventual families. I think the idea of breaking out of these bad life habits is the point of the video. I added my comment hoping it might help some people choose a better direction for themselves.
Nah, we are all addicted! No matter the age!
For me, I've found that my social media addiction thrives when i don't have enough to do. There's a very careful balance I need to strike of being busy, but not TOO busy, in order to thrive. Without commitments and projects, I fill my idle time with scrolling.
I've had Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Tiktok. I deleted all my social media accounts and can't be happier. I have had some comments like "you have no social media?" and "how can you live without social media?" I'm currently 2 years without social media
I totally relate to the addiction to social media in short forms especially. It took me 2 years to step out completely from Instagram and twitter. I would memorize accounts and check them via browser even without login in. I felt sad for you when you stepped back in, but it's great that you managed to find your way out once again! Congrats 🎉
Found you on a period in which I really feel that my relationship with social media is not healthy and this is so relatable.
Everyday I feel lost about my life, I hate my job and those free hours I have I am just sitting there scrolling short content form video…
I hope to manage to detox from all this
I deleted Tiktok around 2-3 years ago, however I installed Instagram as an 'alternative' thinking that it wasn't the same as Tiktok and it would reduce the time I spend on social media. Every time I scroll on Insta reels I feel so unproductive and guilty, seeing everyone happy and sharing the best moments made me feel very lonely. I've been off Instagram for 2 months and I've been spending 2-3 hours walking with my friends, my mental health is so much better and as a result I have a consistent schedule.
I am writing from Afghanistan. I loved what you said and totally agree with you; life is beautiful and social media keeps us away from real life. I am really happy and motivated by this video to reinforce my will power to fight back the feeling of going back to the days with hours wasted on social media.
Is that the national pokemon of Afghanistan
I'm Afghan too! Just in the diaspora
I've struggled with substances and it was up til 2021 that I stomped my rock bottom! I went sober on my 21s, im now two years sober and about to turn 23...
Addiction is so stigmatized now days, specially in our generation; I hear peeps at uni saying no one is an Addict until you graduate college or until you are in your 40s. The reality is that addiction is a progressive sickness, and it comes in all shades and colors.
During my process (which is still on-going) I found myself changing addictions for addictions; when i stop drinking and using* I started stopping, when i "healed" my impulsiveness shopping i started consuming social media a lot and feeling my gaps with it.
During this search of the dopamine hit, I realized that my use, substance, or addictive behavior was not my problem. It was my solution.
Fam, addictions are baffling and cunning, but there is help out there! There are some amazing humans like Lucy supporting and doing wonderful things ! Let's bring down the stigma, and let's talk about these topics! The more we talk, the less the stigma.
If you want to get out of social media for good, delete it definitely. Not "temporary deactivate". There's a huge difference, temporary means that you eventually will come back. If you delete it permanently you will most likely not going back again. Just advice :) nice vid
I want to but the problem is that I’m chained to it because social media is the main way I communicate with my friends since they live far away or are on vacation. I know it’s my responsibility and i probably sound like I’m making excuses rn but I can’t find myself able to delete it because my friends are on it and I end up getting addicted
@@Insomnia19101 then you don't really want it... There are other ways to stay in touch. Don't make excuses. :)
I struggle with mental health and when I'm particularly unwell I can perfectly spend multiple hours straight scrolling through tiktok or instagram trying to deconnect from my own thoughts. It's addicting because its numbing, and it prevents you from having to actually process whatever's going on in your head
great vid, i deleted social media for about 7 months and felt so much better, much more present and generally happier. I also thought i could go back on instagram in a more controlled and healthier manner, thing is you're literally fighting against a supercomputer with hyper intelligent programming designed to keep you addicted so i just fell back into old habits of death scrolling lol as well as just generally feeling shittier due to use of the app, fully deleted it for 3 months and feel great again! life is short and way shorter when were all plugged in when we need to be embracing the intensity and beauty of life and being in the present moment as opposed to living our life for the validation of others and trying constantly to project some kind of image. All the best and keep up the awesome content, its brill :)
My gosh that picture of you at 18.... it really hits home for me. I feel like a broken record saying it, but it truly is tragic to see so many girls feel the need to look like that. It's why I get so discouraged using dating apps and end up deleting them not long after. I don't want to look at hundreds of pictures of the same style, the same make up, the same poses.. I'm so sick of it. Where are the moles, the freckles, where is that one slanted tooth or crooked thing that makes you unique? I'd rather hear the story behind the bags under your eyes than pretending they don't exist and life is only up. Excuse the rant.
More on topic, there indeed really is no need for social media. Not for events, not for your grandmother, nothing. There's nothing which isn't achievable outside of social media if you are just that; social. Even whatsapp groups can be unnecessarily stressful and addictive.
Yes - i (old guy) wondered why i havent seen anyone i find attractive for years (even much younger) - did not know that this "style" is a thing. Social media - unfortunately - for me essential for events, and then you get drawn into all that other stuff.
Most native European women don't need any make-up, surgery, filters etc as they have natural beauty.
What you said made absolute sense. Quitting social media does not come easy at all.
Thanks
Damn u rich😂
🫶
@@LucyAlllan 👍👉👈
I totally relate to not being able to use social media in a healthy way. Thank you so much for sharing this 💛
This video was much needed. My screen time is off the clock and my productivity is at an all time low. Let’s see if I can get rid of them
Good luck for the journey, you should defo read the book I mentioned if you’re thinking of doing a detox!!
You've explained the vicious cycle perfectly! I didn't understand why I was always repeating these bad habits, even though I know about all these side-effects of social media and I always thought it was just an act of self-pity. But viewing everything from a psychological and neurological point of view, helps me understand my behaviour that contradicts my values. Thank you!
This video was so calming . I liked the back ground music and it volume was low , editing was amazing and your voice on top was a great match . Instant subscription. thanks
Glad you liked it!!
I know I have a social media addiction, my screentime is about 7-14hours/day. I can't even make my bed without a tiktok or podcast playing in the background. I can't read books anymore, atleast more than a few pages without getting distracted. It sucks.
Do something about it. Hunny I used to spend 10+ hours a day and the internet traumatised me irreversibly. Even if you're mentally ill I was too, having psychotic depression and being an undiagnosed autistic made me want to find comfort in the internet but despite all odds I deleted all socials and finally started utilizing the internet where it could help me. (Aka finding out ways I can heal / cope with my own mental illness without a therapist, they be expensive af) anyways what in trying to say here is just as I did and what many people are starting to realize too, you can also get out of it.
so many more people need to see this, and most of us are completely unaware. As I've been spending my time away from these distractions I've come to many different realisations, i could've never made otherwise, a few you mentioned in this video. It is merely an escape, an illusive light leading you further and further down the tunnel of darkness.
When i was 6, i vowed to myself to never use social media casually ever in my life and i swear that decision saved my future. They laughed at me when i said i dont use tiktok, but they couldnt speak when i asked them to show their average screen time
Hi Lucy, I write here from Brazil, but I lived in your country last year.
I'm not from generation Z but from generation Y and I've been off social media for 7 months. Impressive how I am developing, looking at myself and living the moments. I notice that people are anxious, disconnected from the real world.
I intend not to go back and enjoy life as it is.
A big hug
Thank you Lucy. Such a deep and esoteric video that's full of honest and genuine reflection that feels so personal. I've gone through the same cycle that seems daily. Picking up my phone, finding myself on social media, a vague collection of scrolling and time passing, putting it down and frustration, and picking it up again just so I can feel "normal." Thank you for continuing to show us the pathway away -- to stop living vicariously through experiences and start LIVING experiences.
So much time wasted when there’s life to live and things to do that could be so much more fulfilling and productive. I’m undergoing my own social media detox and it’s the best decision I ever made!
Ahhh good luck for it, how long are you thinking??🥳
@@LucyAlllan I have only been off for a week or two at the mo but the benefits are already huge i want to try at least a 3 month detox and just decrease from there!👍
I'm not Gen-Z but this is still relatable. I feel without using social media, I become a hermit. And life is lonely enough as is. Sometimes the apps do make you feel worse (I wish I had this, I wish I was at this place, had this girl, had these kind of friends etc), but to me deleting it enhances your isolation. ugh
beautiful girl. I can relate to almost everything ur comunicating. Also im from argentina, and here we are pretty much blessed, because the terrible economic situation is making tecnology advance slower and people here are more old fashioned, so being able to remain real and social media free is somehow easy. Saludos amiga segui con tu canal que esta bueno y ayuda a mucha gente dejar la basura de adiccion al telefono y vivir sus vidas mejor. capa total
After watching this video, my life changed positively
Hey watching form India and I wanna say that I am also in the path of social media detox,you are adding great value in my life.
Thanks ♥️
As a Gen zer who makes my money online, it is really hard to get away. I used to detox from it all the time before having this as my job. But as I've gotten older, I've realized it's all about mindfulness and intentionality. I really admire what you are doing though. Great job.
I really enjoyed watching your video! I managed to delete TikTok about 2 years ago (kinda proud) and only since then I realized how addicting it really is and that you can absolutely live without it haha
0:05 it’s pathetic too. Social media makes kids/“tweens” (I despise that term) believe that they’re special or mEnTaLLy iLL. It’s absolutley ridiculous imo. I joined social media at the ripe age of 11 back in 2007 and used MSN.
Those days of social media was great as EVERYONE was social. Nowadays, it’s just a joke tbh. I’m not on socia media (only had to post my poetry which did gain me a number of followers actually), but it’s been almost 10yrs since I had Instagram.
Glad you made this video. Only just saw this video pop up on my yt home screen and had no idea you existed until I saw this and decided to comment/rant lol.
Thank you! That was the push i needed to delete my own social media
Welcome to the club 🫡🥳
Hi Lucy, I love your content. Your journey with social media truly allowed me to begin my own. So much so that I made my own YT video on social media and it is really thanks to you. This is such an important message for our generation. I hope more people realise this. Thank you again :)
Let me say, I’ve tried quitting for 2 weeks to „prove“ to myself that I could. Cool experience, but very hard.
What I’ve recently noticed is that the principle of avoiding rather that seeking seems to be a major part of the issue. If you think about it, social media makes us avoid pains in life and a social media detox makes us avoid something again.
Instead it feels important to determine what you truly desire, what you will not accept living without, before achieving it.
I tend to do things I don’t want to do when I have no purpose or feel bad about myself.
Another helpful practice to some people is to make a strict calendar or day plan for each day to carry out. We fall into bad, or autopilot habits when we don’t have something specific to do.
Make sure to give yourself scheduled free time as well though or you will burn yourself out ^^
I sailed to French Polynesia alone and spent a painful amount of time while there on social media while I could have been making memories in some of the best places on the planet. It's real.
I think I am the last generation who lived a childhood without tech (like at all) and who also now lives in this tech driven world. The thing that people say “FOMO” is actually kinda triggering for me because I DOOOOOO completely miss out and get forgotten about 100% immediately. Like it’s literally true. I am a stay at home mom with heaps of kids. Who asks me out? No one. I also did the Jordan Peterson personality test and scored 98% extroverted but here I am. At home. With my kids. Disconnected but wondering why the hell I even care.
Family is super important, but I understand where you are coming from. I hope you can friend a great circle of friends who are on the same boat as you so you can go through it together. People are stronger together ♥️
while watching this video, i signed out of my accounts on twitter, tiktok and instagram (the three that really made me so addicted to social media) thank you. I don’t know if i’ll do it permanently, but for this month, I want to stay off it for at least 3 weeks. Wish me luck !!!
You got this!! Good luck☺️
Most addictions are a personal struggle. I don’t really see social media as a crazy drug. But if you can’t live a normal life because of it , then yes you have a problem.
they are designed to be addictive. It does not depend on you as it does not depend on you with alcohol, cocaine, slot machines etc.
Thank you for doing this video, what amazing courage & compassion you have to make a video like this to help others overcome their challenges with phone addiction. Great job and stay strong!
What an important topic! Very cool that you decided to record a video about it. Our whole channel is about a healthy relationship with tech and we're very against social media and replacing human contact with apps.
thank you so much for sharing this. I think we are at a most unusual period in history. I often imagine this analogy: what if an alcoholic is determined to quit the drinking habit and is committed to doing what ever it takes to quit, but this person is given a rule that they have to work in a bar and they have to taste test the liquor everyday, just a little bit, to make sure it taste good for the customers. Imagine how utterly impossible it would be to overcome drinking. This is our situation with social media (or any media for that matter). I believe the social media addiction begins with an addiction to the screen and it will always lead back to the most potent form of dopamine it can provide. right now, that is short form social media and adult content etc. I simply have no idea how we, as a society, are going to pull out of this, short of some kind of cataclysm that completely resets our culture. I am sounding like a doomsday'er, and I cringe a little when I hear myself talk about this kind of thing, because I always try to be rational and opened minded. But over the years (I am 45 yrs old), I have seen how this whole media thing has evolved, and it has made me an extremist in my thinking about this topic. This technology has devoured us from the the inside out and I believe in a few more years, something has got to happen.
I thought I should say I subscribed to you a few months ago cause you remind me of this relentless girl named violet markey from all the bright places. It’s my comfort movie so my mind has just deemed you it’s comfort person and I could never be happier
🥹🥹🥹
I just came across your channel, and I'm going to sub straightaway. I use mainly YT because I love long form content, I'm not on IG and Tik Tok. I'm an old soul so I still I have my FB but mostly because of my contacts and messenger. I don't know how people got so hooked up on reels etc, When my mum uses her phone it just gets on my nerves all that screaming and fast-paced empty messages... You seem such a smart young person, with a beautiful healing energy... so well-versed for pods/ video essays xo xo
I watch videos like this every once in awhile, but I don't think I can stop. I've deleted and reinstalled apps so many times. I've set screentime limits only to ignore them. But as of right now, the internet is the only thing keeping me distracted from my problems. I think that if I cut it out, I'll go crazy.
Maybe deal with your problems instead of sticking your head in the digital sands. Don't think you're alone in dealing with them either. Sometimes you need to enlist help from friends, family, maybe professionals. I don't know what you're going through, so maybe I might be coming off as insensitive here. But as I heard someone say, if therapy doesn't work, hire a dominatrix.
I have an Internet addiction, just like practically everyone my age. This may be a strange way of looking at things but what saddens me most is the collective alienation we experience not only in relation to other humans but to ourselves, our inner-lives; the creative background of our personality. Due to the constant bombardment of programming assaulting our minds on a daily basis we only ever get a break from it (sort of) when we're fully unconscious in sleep. The result is that we are molded and shaped into a generic being that pales in comparison to the fruits of our extraordinary ability to look into our own souls for who we are and how to become who we are. People nowadays have nothing in themselves, not a single treasure that would make them truly independent, if only in thought.
We will see what happens to society when it is occupied with people who resemble more "unlived life" than life...
OMG I REMEMBER WATCHING YOUR VIDEO A YEAR AGO I wanted to quit social media so badly after wathing it and but struggled to quit for a year. In 2023 January, I finally did it. I wasn’t there for 3 months then sadly, i redownloaded instagram. I’m feeling very disappointed in myself but I’m going to try quitting again this summer
As someone who was addicted to many things in the past this is really helpful. Thank you 💕
Thanks for putting this video out there :) I am definietly in denial about being addicted to social media so I'm gonna do a 48 detox and see how I feel. If I feel myself wanted to scroll then I will consider just deleting it all together. You are an inspiration, thank you again!
Deleting my social media was the best thing i did, this was like 3 year ago, in beginning was hard, but after few months I got used to it. Maybe for me was more ease because i am more older and i knew the world befoar social medias
What I think MUST be taught and talked about social media addiction... Don't blame yourself for going back, and never (really, never) think you can control it in a healthy way (if things continue like right now, with no regulation at all). Social media are, nowadays, digital casinos you give to underage children. You can't control your addiction, because it is made for addiction. And the time restrictions are just bullshit: instead of making their apps less addictive, they're blaming you for not being able to disconnect of a device meant for addiction.
Thank you sister
I realize a lot of things when I watch other people talking about addiction
But this month I really honestly hurt myself so much when I got back to all my addictions, I realize I’ve been hurting myself and I never fixed it.
Your video and your point in 6:49 Is really really Smartt and now I realize and understand my problem fully and I’m aware of me.
Another book I really like on this topic is 'Digital Minimalism' by Cal Newport.
Great book too!
Thank you for this video! So intelligent and vulnerable. It’s not easy to put yourself out there like this. Cheers 💖
i am literally the SAME. i hate my phone. Its boring, dead, and i just want tonlive life tbh. Ofc text friends, and for spotify, but that is it. I HATE MT PHPNE, and yet, i am somehow addicted
in fact, i realised that simply doing revision on my phone were literally the best measure. But, i hated how i could not remmeber it
i have 3 days to study. I have no studied over the past 2 days.
Similar to me and soda. One day I thought, do I truly like this, and can I ignore how bad it is for me? No and no, and I haven't had soda in 6 years, and I feel so proud of that fact. Less caffeine, less sugar, and a greater chance of not getting kidney stones, which soda can cause, which is pretty heckin sweet.
I work in tech and I am definitely addicted to social medias. It is my only addiction honestly but I feel the negative consequences, and have been for a few years now. Because my job requires me to use my computer and my cellphone all day long it's harder to stop because I can't no use my devices. I get something to test on my phone and then I get sucked in and start to scroll for a few minutes...sometimes hours and then I feel bad and work overtime to compensate. And then to unwind after a long day at work (because I compensated) I turn my brain off & open my phone to watch videos or scroll on social medias... I want.nothing more than break the cycle honestly, I feel it sucking the life out of me. I even thought of switching careers to stop spending my life connected.
Let’s break the cycle!
I had that moment of realisation on technology when I first got the sims 2. I thought "yes, now I can do whatever I want in this world", so I sat my sims at a computer. Minutes later, "why is this so boring". I'm curently glued to technology but your video made me remember that.
Wonderful video! I'm not a Gen Z but I'm always baffled when I end up sitting next to a young person with social media addiction on a plane, which happens all the time (also, do they just pay for wi-fi? Are there offline modes?). Just being next to them for a few hours or so drains me and gives me so much anxiety. So I can only begin to imagine what it does to their mental health.
I'm 19 and since I was 15 I wasted so much time on RUclips,idols and celebrity's lifestyles,instagram and so on and I just recognized that I could have spent it differently
I'm not gonna do that again
Felt this. Thank you (:
Waiting on the Max version!
Thank you so much for the video, I think it's gonna change my life, really. Specially the part where you mention that i.e. cooking doesn't make you feel bad after it, neither does meeting some friends. But social media does. Again, thanks for the video.
Im a 13 year old girl and I also recognize myself in this situation, I’m also addicted… I want to delete social media and focus on the things around me but that’s kind of impossible as a teenager these days. Everyone is following the newest trend, they’re always updated and that’s all because of social media, that will be a thing I miss and that’s the hardest thing for me. Is there a way that I can be less addicted to social media but also stay a bit updated? btw your video is so great, I think you’re inspiring a lot of people (also me) and I think more people should start thinking about their social media addiction and realize how beautiful the world around them is.
The way you stay connected is communicating with your friends irl, not passively absorbing their content on apps just to stay in the loop. I know as a teen it feels so important to be in the loop, but it might be time to talk to some of your friends about this to see if anyone is on the same page.
I’m a 25 year old Gen Z, I will be 26 this year. But I don’t think this problem only applies to us specifically, I can also say that my parents have a social media addiction and their always on they’re phones most of the time, that’s cause this problems relates to all generations who have access to social and digital media 🫶🏽🤝🏽 it’s wasting all of our time and energy and making us lazy 😅
Thank you for sharing your experience Lucy. I just deleted all my socials and this helps me. I also just bought that book you recommended and I will start reading now. Much love ❤️ LV
If we spend just 1 hour a day on social media, that is 365 per year, minus 8hrs per day for sleep and you get 23 WHOLE DAYS a year wasted!! This calculation really got me thinking..
As someone born in 1991 I was on social media since around 15.. I gave it toooo much until now. Maybe it is time to move on with my life?
I appreciate your transparency. We need more authentic RUclipsrs like you. 🙏🏽
Thanks for making this video. I'm 23 an this is THE biggest problem of our generation and I'm thankful that you covered that important topic.
❤ from Berlin ✌🏻
You're amazing. Thank you so much for this video. Starting my journey now and couldn't be more certain that I want to be free of all of this stuff too. It's gonna be an amazing life I'm so sure. Again, thanks! Hugs from Brazil 💛💚💙
Not a Gen Z but it's absolutely true and relevant whatever you said and talked about, cheers ❤
I think it applies to all of us!!
@@LucyAlllanit does many mellinials grew up with social media and Internet too
You are so strong for deleting tiktok you are amazing
I deleted Instagram and Tiktok for a couple months in the past, but then I went back on, because I realised I had to in order to succeed at the work I wanted to do…but, because of that type of career my screen time is at an all time high and I’m contemplating switching to something else instead. I’m feeling really divided about this and I’m not sure what’s the best course of action to take.
Thought I would share, in case other people struggle with this as well, those that are maybe doing Social media managing/marketing as a career or are creators on social media platforms and their work is directly related to it.
If you have any advice or want to say something that could help in any way, I’d love to hear it! Sending lots of love and strength to you all 🙏🏼❤
Been social media free for 2 years now and it’s been so much better for my overall health
Its all a balancing act. but we dont have the ability to balance it because:
Its made addictive on purpose
We have brains that are prone to addiction
I'm slowly nurturing the idea of deleting all my social media accounts as my new year's resolution for 2024. I'm a gen z too and way too addicted to my phone (daily screen time averages on 3 hours). A couple of months ago I deactivated Instagram, which was my unhealthy dopamine resource, but I guiltly replaced it with TikTok and Twitter.
Most of my friends are deleting Instagram as well, so we're all sort of collectively in this quest of social media detox. Watching your video made me realize I still have a long way ahead of getting rid of this garbage since I also can't use these platforms in a healthy way
I totally agree with this but, as a young woman who doesn't have friends to go out with and is not interest in dating apps, it feels like loneliness can only be cured by distracting yourself with video, social and such. You could say "just go out by yourself" but when you live in a small town in italy what's there to do if not be alone in nature and think about how depressing my life is? Social are addicting because it gives you some sort of control. I'm not with that specific person right now, but I can know what their doing by an ig story and so be observant of other people lifes. I should focus on my own, I know, but I really have nothing if not myself. On a journey trying to feel happy with my life and myself, I use social to take inspiration and also to make myself do things I fear of doing because of judgement or embarrassment (a simple post can be taken as a form of exposure therapy in a sense). So while I think social media are definetely bad on long term, I still can't give it up and I'll take advantage of them while trying to become who i want to be
I'm 28, the youngest millennial or the oldest Gen Z; you decide.
I remember when Facebook was cool and enhanced social relations. We used to meet a lot of people and share group photos, even while doing ordinary things like watching a movie with friends on a couch.
Nowadays, social networks are just human farms where humans make money for the Zuck by watching short videos.
I also used to be a Vine content creator, and my conclusion is that the world wasn't prepared to spend its days feeling depressed while watching low-quality content. That's why Vine died.
I am from 1995 and we are gen z the oldest if you are 94 you are millenial
You're a hero for your generation
Great video! I have a very addictive personality, so I struggle with everything(food, alcohol, social included) so it’s been so hard to quit. I delete it from my phone and then just go on my browser. I hate it!
For me its hard, being away from social media because u feel left out in group settings. Like instagram made it easy for us to connect and talk to people but at the same time i understand that it is meaningless talk. I deleted all my social media apps like 3 months ago but yesterday i met my old school friends and i was feeling so alone and left out because i dont know wt they were all talking about and like they photos and tagged each other but i was not there? If tht makes sense. Can someone pls help me motivate 😭😭🥺
this stuff is gonna be the hurdles gen z faces compared to what the older generations faced as teens going into adults
Stellar work here. A book I read with like themes was a moment of epiphany. "A Life Unplugged: Reclaiming Reality in a Digital Age" by Theodore Blaze
I've conquered a few of my addictions (Alcohol, Energy Drinks, Sugar, Spending, Violent video games), but the one I am still struggling with is with my computer. I'm not real big on Social Media, but I am on FB and I keep whatsapp because I have a friend who prefers to use it for messaging. I'm talking about my overall computer usage most of which is internet related. I've been wanting to cut back for ages but somehow I cannot seem to make it happen...
Any tips on quitting energy drinks? I really want to stop having them but I'm struggling big time. I get to about 3-4pm and then feel like I need to have one. On average I've been having two 500ml cans every day for about 7 years now, which is just horrendous.
Lucy, you deactivated it 10:12! that's what you did last time and that's why it just reactivated and came back when you logged back in. You have to go to permanently delete. I noticed that you deactivated in your other video the first time you left social media, so I'm just looking out for you. But also I love your videos so much as a 17 yr old who has also currently deleted all her social media accounts I am so inspired and motivated by you! Thank you for your content and just the continuous positivity and clarity you promote on your channel❤
I know you have no intention of ever going back but you also wanted it absolutely permanently gone so I thought I should just let you be aware of that!
Thank you so much for letting me know! I deactivated it because I still have the archives I haven’t downloaded that I don’t want to lose so it’s something I’m going to have to do in the future so I can fully delete it! But be rest assured, you won’t find me back on the app!:)
@@LucyAlllan Ofc & ohhh okay I see, that makes sense, but alright! Wishing you more prosperity on your journey :))🤍
I was also highly addicted to my phone, but my phone was stolen and the anxiety and depression I have gotten after that made me realize how much I was addicted to my phone. and I am learning how to live my life without phone. and I am writing this on my pc.
I can spend 20+ hours a week on social media, especially Tiktok. And as a SAHM that makes me feel so guilty. I am so determined to break this addiction.
Maybe try listening to audiobooks or podcasts while doing housework, being outside or exercising, it's not ideal but it's better than watching TT
You're a charm ! thank you for everything you shared
Watching this made me go look at my screen time on social media. For context, I work 50 hours a week and I still somehow spent over 16 hours on socials this week. I lost one full waking day to TikTok. I've quit before unsuccessfully but it's time to delete the app again.
Thank you soo much for putting this out❤ i was on detox from 2021 July to 2022 October and had lot of FOMO, started using it by lying to myself but it’s scary that I miss my friends, which happened before, nobody really remembers me, hardly anyone you have in life kind of feeling. What do you suggest to overcome this FOMO?
From my 2 year detox, I learned that I didn’t lose a single friend. I kept WhatsApp and my true friends always stayed in contact! Everything else is unimportant ♥️
I love your videos ❤️ your first ever video about deleting social media has inspired me to delete my social media apps from my phone however I couldn't get myself to do it for all these years, as it was just hard...I have deleted social media apps from my phone on Monday and I hope it stays this way because I was honestly spending way too much time on it and not being aware of the things happening around me, the things that really matter such as educating myself, connecting with myself, having a better relationship with my fiancé, exploring more and just being in the present moment. I am very happy I finally decided to take this step and I'm happy to see what benefits this brings to my life ☺️
I feel like I'm the only GEN Z dude without Social Media nowadays.
ayyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeee!! welcome back to the world of the living!! stay a while you'll love it!! :D
Very important video 🙏🙏
!!!
... and Dopamine Nation is EXCELLENT!
Halfway through for the second time now and it hits just as much as it did the first time!!
@@LucyAlllan so true 😂