Bloganuary #10: It’s happening – I’m leaving social media

So I just posted this on my Facebook account:

I’ve also done that thing where you request all your information from Meta and then proceed to download it all in a big juicy file that is decades long.

I mentioned quitting Meta yesterday, and I guess today I am putting it into action.

Not right away, of course. I’m going to be letting everyone know. Closing down the few groups I have left (the one for my Dungeons and Dragons group is still regularly used, so I’ll have to find a new home for that). I’ve already had a few ‘YOU WHAT?’ messages across WhatsApp. I’ll admit, Whatsapp will be the hardest one to shake loose because I use it every day with my family. Apparently there is a replaced called ‘Signal’ I have been told to check out.

As for replacement social media… well… I don’t know if I am going to replace anything. I was on Bluesky for about an hour before I saw a dead body and decided it wasn’t for me. I was never a fan of Twitter*, so Bluesky didn’t do anything for me. I also had brief foray into Tumblr, but backed out of that pretty swiftly too.

*you may have noticed that I prattle on a bit – my wit will not be CONTAINED within a limited number of characters! *dramatic flounce out of room*

I always fall back onto the same question: do I NEED social media?

If I ever decide to promote a book or a product? Maybe. Am I doing that right now? No. Am I potentially shooting myself in the foot for any future publishing deals that check to see if I have a following? Oh no doubt.

But I’m tired. I’m tired of billionaires. I’m tired of people trying to hog my data. I’m tired of adverts and petty squabbles and all the lies and the masks and the… everything. I’m tired of all that.

I have seen a lot of people posting about their 2025 goals. Mine is to be kinder to myself. I don’t think my brain enjoys social media, so I’m just going to get rid of it all. It’s time for a change.

What will I do with all the time I usually spend scrolling?

(I should really write my novel)

See you tomorrow!

6 responses to “Bloganuary #10: It’s happening – I’m leaving social media”

  1. Jennifer Avatar

    Oh WOW!! Well done! I’m so impressed! I’m thinking of directing people to my blog as that’s where I feel most comfortable. I need to have a think about what I can leave and what I can keep…you’ve inspired me!

    1. Richard Axtell, Writer Avatar

      Feeling comfortable on the internet seems increasingly difficult these days, so the more time you can spend on your blog and not elsewhere the better! So happy I could be the inspiring one for once – your blog has inspired me many times!

      1. Jennifer Avatar

        Aww shucks ☺️ thanks Richard!

  2. Storyteller Avatar

    Yeah it’s a hard call. Guess it depends on your reasons and what stage you are in life. If you are studying or at school it would be hard, especially when doing group projects online. Good luck. Hope you stay in our community. I’m spending January hanging out with Bloganuary.
    👏

    1. Richard Axtell, Writer Avatar

      It is a hard call – and I don’t blame anyone for staying on social media because it’s really hard to leave. I’m in the very privileged position of being able to pull away, so I’m just taking advantage of it. Not leaving this community though. I have far too much fun writing and reading other people’s blogs!

  3. FOMO, or that time my friends forgot I existed – Richard Axtell – Writer Avatar

    […] But they forgot one thing: I am not on social media anymore. […]

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I’m Rhi

I’m just a writer trying to live slower and be more observant of my feelings.

I am also a bit silly.

This blog is a mishmash of all that.