I deleted Tiktok… now what?

Tiktok has its grip on me. Sometimes the algorithm slips but in just a few hours I’m back to seeing brand new content I emotionally react to. But I’m feeling information overload. So much content consumed in such a small amount of time. It’s too much, so I deleted Tiktok… now what? Well I’m deleting Instagram and Facebook next. But giving people some time to get email addresses and phone numbers to stay in touch.

 

Why getting off social is a good idea

I’ve written in depth before about why social media and I were on a break. I was REALLY good at that. For a while. Then my good intentions fell apart. I kept intentionality behind my blog. But everything else crowded in and social media has once again distracted me from what really matters.

So my ground rules weren’t working. I wasn’t time blocking and scheduling in advance. I was mindlessly scrolling… again. So this time I’m trying something different. A cold turkey social media break. A 2 week detox just to see how I feel afterwards.

I’m spending hours scrolling through Instagram or checking out Tiktok videos. And I’m returning unread books o the library. Sad.

 

How to stay up to date on the news

I get a lot of my news from social media, so I’m exploring some other options.

• News apps. There are plenty of apps that will keep you up-to-date with the latest news stories from multiple sources. Some of the most popular ones include Apple’s News app and Google’s Feedly app.
• I’m considering ordering physical newspapers be delivered to our house
• News shows? Hulu has a “news” tab that I’m exploring some of the shows on there are really old (like from 2015) but some are more current
• News podcasts – My friend Niki recommended Axios Today which is a 10 minute show and looks at the big picture every day. I’ve only listened to two episodes but I’m enjoying it so far.

What about Taylor Swift’s new album?

Is there something you really care about that mostly happens on social media? You don’t have to miss it. I can look up Taylor’s instagram account without being on the app on my phone. Or my spouse or friends interested in the came things can keep me up to date. (Get yourself friends who support you!)

 

Alternate ways to stay in touch

I wrote about that in depth here. But some suggestions include email, texts, phone calls, dinner plans, going grocery shopping together (seriously you both have to shop why not together?).

 

Developing new hobbies

If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent hours on TikTok. The platform’s appeal lies in its ability to be whatever you want it to be: a place for funny memes and videos, or an outlet for creativity and self-expression. But after deleting TikTok from my phone—and thus forcing myself out of the habit loop I had created—I realized that I don’t have a lot of hobbies. I want to develop more hobbies! I’m learning to roller skate! I’m painting and doing puzzles. I’m reading and writing book reviews. Maybe I’ll like these things. Maybe I won’t. If I don’t I’ll keep trying! If you have a hobby you love I want to know what it is!

 

Pursue a passion project

If you’re like me, the only thing Tiktok really taught me is that I was never going to be a good singer. But it also taught me that I should probably pursue something different—something outside of my comfort zone and something that challenges me.

I can’t think of anything more challenging than singing in front of millions (well, maybe it would be more challenging if I had millions of followers). But there are other things out there for us to try: painting, writing, dancing… whatever! The point is that we need to follow our passions instead of what society expects from us.

While it may seem daunting at first to pursue your passion project full time or even part time—it will become easier once you find your niche and start making progress towards achieving your goals. I’ve had a passion project on the back burner for a year now. I’m starting to make progress already and it feels good! I’m hoping to ride this momentum (and endorphins) to the end!

 

What I’m looking forward to:

I know it can be hard to get off social media and stay off it. So I’m looking forward to seeing what the next two weeks look like. I’ll be using my habit tracker to see what differences I record in my mood and productivity! If you’re considering giving up social I would love to hear what’s holding you back or what’s making you take the leap!