What I Learned on My Break from Social Media

During the lenten season, the pastor of my church asked us to join in fasting from social media from sun up to sun down. Now, I had already started to make my own decisions about social media use based on some things happening in our country and to promote my own sense of health and wellness. So, I had already deactivated my Twitter account in 2024 and at the beginning of 2025, I deactivated by Facebook account. When my pastor asked us to engage in this fast from social media, it was in line with actions I had already taken. Funny thing, I actually have not been on social media, even once the fasting period ends for that day. The other funny thing, I don't actually miss social media. The people I want to stay connected to, I do so without social media.

Here are a few things I learned since engaging in this fast from social media and this break:

1. There is no replacement for actual live human contact. By live human contact, I mean actual telephone conversations and face-to-face interactions. I know in the society that we live in, we are accustomed to sending text messages, emails, or having virtual contact; but as humans we were created to be in relationship with one another and our relationships are strengthened by live contact with one another. This live contact also helps build empathy and compassion for one another.

2. I don't actually need to know every detail of every part of someone's day. The people that are a part of my life, we share those details with one another because of our relationship with one another. It is not necessary for me to know the details of someone's life that I only see on social media. That kind of interaction can seem inauthentic and does not necessarily build relationships.

3. I don't really miss doom scrolling on social media and I believe I have a more positive outlook on life. When we constantly take in the negativity from social media, it can impact how we view our community and the world around us. I am not saying that everything or everyone on social media is negative. But, there is a lot of misinformation and gloomy things shared on social media.

This post is not to sway anyone else about their use of social media but to share a few insights that came to me

during this break from it. Each person has to make the decision that is right for them. I encourage you to try taking a one day break from social media and see if you notice any changes in yourself or how you view what is happening around you.

Dr. Daphne