After many years on social media I made a decision to delete the social media phone apps and also delete my accounts to Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Bluesky.
Here are some of the reasons:
An Increase in Bots
I began to see people complaining that posts and comments were from AI bots rather than from real people. That is called engagement farming. Spam, generic or controversial messages were posted in order to push a line or get more engagement and activity in a group or page. This will likely only get worse as AI gets more powerful. Time can be wasted trying to help someone understand a topic, for example, when in reality it is only a bot.
Pay to Play
Even with many friends and followers the algorithms don't give posts the reach they need. Usually a tiny fraction of friends and followers get to see the posts. To make an impact advertising money has to be put in. Advertising is fine but it does not seem a fair system.
A Time Drain
Social media apps can be seen as time leaks. Social media is designed to extract maximum time from each user. Checking messages and engaging in groups takes up time. The systems are designed to then hook you in and get you to scroll through an endless stream of short videos tailored to your interests. Overall the more social media the more time that is wasted.
Privacy Concerns
It can be awkward when friends from one circle can see other friends etc. A malicious actor could send messages to friends and family if they can see your list. Nosey people can piece little bits of information and build up a picture, getting private information. The companies themselves are also building up information about each user and use it to target ads and maybe for other reasons. People have reported just mentioning a topic in their house and then seeing advertisements for that topic. Are some of the apps listening in?
Psychological Health
People report social media can feel stressful and depressing. Many individuals post negative and inhumane comments in groups etc because they have anonymous profiles. Reading the views of psychologically disturbed and heartless people can be upsetting.
Content Ownership
Your posts, photos and content essentially belong to the platform once uploaded. You are creating the content but the social media company is benefiting and getting paid for any related advertising money.
Vanity Metrics
Many businesses chase followers and likes. These seem like progress but in reality are not that valuable. Many people are wasting effort trying to impress and gain likes and so on. Deep down the motives involve vanity. The business or person is not really gaining anything. Then when there are more followers and likes there can be a kind of social pressure which inhibits people from posting unpopular opinions. It can lead to a situation where ignorant posts are encouraged whereas more intelligent posts are ignored.
Security Concerns
Every app, every profile and every password is another attack surface for hackers. Also if you leave your phone or computer unattended your social profiles are extra targets which someone could write false information and posts pretending to be from you etc.
Misinformation
Misinformation can spread like wildfire on social media. This is made worse by clever AI-generated fake videos and images. People used to waste time looking at cute animal videos. Now many of them are fake. A lot of people think they are real and are misled. This also applies to fake pictures of apparent archaeological discoveries and even fake stories related to celebrities and politicians etc.
Social Manipulation
Unlike misinformation spread by outside individuals, this is a deliberate action by the platform itself. Social media can adjust algorithms to manipulate public opinion. For example they could affect elections by allowing positive or negative stories about a political party to spread more or be hidden more. Similarly with everyday lifestyle choices. Some could be promoted or repressed based on the company's beliefs.
Attention Splitting
Every app on the phone, every online profile and every content stream all divide and deplete the attention. Attention is a valuable resource. Modern life already demands a lot. Withdrawing from social media is a great way to protect our attention so we can use it more meaningfully.
My Results of Giving up Social Media
I feel a sense of peace and freedom. I now have more time, energy and attention for daily life and more meaningful business actions. It takes time for the dust to settle and habits to be changed. Beyond social media is a whole new world. That is how it feels after using social media for so long and then leaving it behind. Onwards and upwards!
Thoughtogram: an Antidote to Social Media
If you value privacy and want a private thinking space try Thoughtogram. Inside is an intentionally collaboration and AI free space. It features server-side encryption. No tracking. No advertisements. Instead you can focus on and structure your thoughts in a unique no-scroll, no-zoom fixed whiteboard. Your cards are always readable and in focus exactly where you place them.