A monthlong social media ban
Ellipses… Issue #052
Ellipses… a small, special character. Used by writers to slow down, create a pause, and indicate thinking.
K. While this newsletter has some political stuff in it, it’s mostly about my (lack of) self control. I will continue to try to stay away from political topics, but sometimes it can’t be avoided.
⚫️ 1 thought: Trying to be anti-Instagram strong 🪶
Meta’s stance on anti-fact checking and loosening of hate speech rules shook me. So in mid-January, I deactivated Facebook, deleted my WhatsApp account, and exported my data from Instagram.
I’m three weeks into a monthlong self-mandated social media ban.
During this time away from socials, I wanted to reevaluate my relationship with social media and figure out if I really needed Instagram. I post my journaling content for fun and to connect with like-minded people, but it certainly doesn’t bring me any website traffic or support my business of selling digital planners.
And in my eyes, by keeping my account and posting or interacting on the platform, I’m essentially making a vote in favor of Meta’s new policies.
But at the same time, the itch to use Instagram is strong—especially because it feels like everyone around me still uses it often. And I miss seeing what my friends are up to.
So. I’m human. I’m doing my best. But I still can’t get myself to pull the trigger on deactivating my Instagram profile. Interested to hear what you think—please comment below. This is a friendly, open discussion.
⚫️ 1 non-link: A physical mailing address 🔗
In my digital detox, I put on my adulting pants and went and got myself a post office box. If you wanna chat about anything or send a letter for fun, please write to me below. I write back!
Jenny Lee
101 E Baltimore Ave, Ste 263
Media, PA 19063
⚫️ 1 journal prompt: Are there a theme to your dreams? 📔
It’s said that our dreams help us work out issues from our conscious life. REM cycles process emotions and showcase true wants and desires. Are your dreams trying to tell you something lately?
---
Either your attention span is impeccable or my post was so compelling. Either way: you rock. Thanks! Please comment or reply to continue the discussion. I always love to hear from you.
Be safe and well,
🖤 Jenny
I definitely feel this. I have to keep social platforms for my work, but I have limited what I use personally. It's so unfortunate because that's how I keep in contact with a lot of friends, but I have been using Discord for most of my social interactions.
I have been using the site 750 Words for journaling and have been trying to do that in my spare time instead of doom scrolling. Or picking up my kindle!
I’m on a similar path. I too felt troubled about participating in a platform that might be causing much more harm than good. I was staying on Facebook for business networking purposes. But I realized I haven’t gotten a single client as a result of my social media postings. Since deleting my FB account a few weeks ago I was asked to present at an educational event in my field. It should be fun, and will be a great opportunity for organic marketing. But, I no longer have social media to promote this event, so I’ve printed out 50 flyers and I’m handing them out to my clients when I see them, and asking them to pass along to others who might be interested. My work is niche and geographically based, so I think this might even be more effective than a blast on Facebook. We’ll see.
I had a hard time engaging with Facebook in a way that wasn’t compulsive. Deleting Facebook felt like walking off of a busy city street into a soundproof room. So far don’t regret it one bit. It’s actually really lovely. I’m reading more, journaling more, and writing more.
Solidarity!! 💪🙌