Is it Ever Okay to Delete Your Social Media Accounts? Find Out Here.

Here’s a hint: No

You can't escape the social superhighway

In the world of click-bait and fake news, we’re constantly bombarded with updates, tweets (oh, sorry Elon, I mean X’s), posts, and stories. Every second counts in the online marketplace of ideas. So it’s no surprise people are feeling overwhelmed! But wait a second, why is that excuse to leave? It’s not, actually. Life is all about managing time better. And if you can’t do that, maybe you need to rethink your lifestyle?

Now don’t get me wrong. We all have our vices. For some it’s gambling or hard drugs; for others, it’s a new phone or spouse. It’s that dopamine hit. And what could possibly be a greater rush than when you post something, someone reacts? Like a little fireworks show inside your brain. That little buzz of being seen, heard, and appreciated. But here’s the thing: if we’re honest with ourselves, we know this isn’t healthy. It’s all an illusion of connection.

But let’s say you’re a rebel – you want to delete your social media. Really? In 2023? Let’s examine that, shall we? For starters, what would you achieve? Probably just silence or a feeling of ‘freedom’. But freedom from what? Your addiction? Your need for validation? Or just from the real world? Sounds like escapism to me. You can never be allowed to escape!

Here’s why you should never consider deleting: information, community, and visibility. These days, we’re all part of this connected ecosystem, whether we like it or not. To stay updated, informed, or engaged, it’s crucial to stay online. If you’re not sharing, you’re not participating. If you’re not participating, you’re not taking part in shaping society. We’re all interconnected, and you could be leaving your voice behind. How sad would that be?

Remember, social media is also a great way to keep tabs on friends, relatives, and distant acquaintances. It’s a window into their world, albeit filtered and posed, but still. Who wants to miss out on baby pictures or vacations? Who wants to feel detached? It’s like not having a TV when everyone is watching Game of Thrones!

And finally, you might argue, “but the trolls, and the hate”. Well, first of all, I don’t believe anyone can handle it alone. Go online with a buddy. Secondly, it’s important to develop a thick skin, it’s a sign of maturity. And if you can’t take it, think about blocking, reporting, or better yet, ignoring them. Life is a series of decisions, after all. And deleting? That’s an easy one. Just not smart, my dear.

So, to conclude, don’t be a coward! Don’t delete. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break. If you’re seeking an alternative, I suggest spending time with nature or reading a book. But don’t deprive yourself of this great gift of staying connected, informed, and part of something bigger. Because in 2023, everyone’s yapping, and you should be too!

Remember, as the great Mark Zuckerberg said, “it’s about making the world a more open place.” We’re all in this together, and if you delete, you’ll simply disappear. And then the rest of us will ask, “Were they ever real in the first place?” And then we’ll forget you ever existed.