Two weeks ago, on a whim, I decided to uninstall the holy trinity of social media apps: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. No plan, no second thoughts—just a tap, and they were gone. It was the beginning of my social media detox.
At first, my fingers betrayed me. Every time I picked up my phone, they instinctively searched for the missing icons. It took me 48 hours to break the muscle memory, to stop reaching for distractions that were no longer there. But once I did, I started noticing some unexpected changes. These were some real social media detox benefits.
What’s Different After 15 Days?
1. A Noticeable Boost in Productivity
Initially, I assumed my hectic work schedule was the reason I wasn’t missing social media. But even during the quiet moments, instead of mindlessly scrolling, my brain started looking for something more useful to do. That “quick social media break” that used to turn into an hour-long scrollathon? It was now replaced by brainstorming ideas, clearing backlogs, and actually getting things done. Taking a social media break really helped.
2. A Healthier Mindset Toward Fitness
I used to follow countless fitness pages on Instagram and Facebook—motivating, yes, but also overwhelming. Every other post reminded me of what I wasn’t doing right, triggering an unnecessary sense of pressure and even envy. Without those constant comparisons, my fitness journey became entirely about me—my goals, my pace, my wins. And guess what? I’ve been 100% consistent with my workouts and nutrition ever since.
3. More Presence, More Family Time
My two-year-old son has always been glued to me, but I now realize how often I was physically present but mentally elsewhere, lost in a sea of reels and trending debates. These past two weeks, I’ve been more engaged, more available, and simply more present with him. And while I know there’s still room for improvement, the difference is already tangible. Taking a break from social media allowed me to reconnect with my family.
4. A Calmer, More Peaceful Mind
I don’t watch TV, so my news came from social media—news that often brought frustration, debates filled with half-baked opinions, and a cycle of negativity that was hard to escape. Stepping away felt like an instant detox for my mind. No more unnecessary outrage, no more doomscrolling—just peace.
Will I Be Back?
Of course. This isn’t a farewell to social media, just a much-needed pause. I still consume content on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Inshorts, but that’s it. And when I do return to the platforms I left behind, I hope to do so with more intention and less compulsion.
If you’ve been contemplating a digital detox, take this as your sign. You might be surprised by what you discover.