It is so easy nowadays to spend hours each week just scrolling through social media apps on your phone. I first recognized it was a problem for me with TikTok, and I want to share my experience of deleting social media apps from my phone.
The Social Media Apps
TikTok
TikTok was the worst app for me when it came to endlessly scrolling. I would open the app with the intention of watching a couple of videos. However, soon enough, an hour or two passed, and I was still scrolling. I decided the best solution was to delete the app from my phone because it would help me avoid spending hours doomscrolling. After several months, I ended up deleting my TikTok account because I had only uploaded a few videos. I also did not watch any TikTok videos on my laptop. I do watch Markie on YouTube as he often recaps TikTok drama, and it is entertaining knowing what is going viral on TikTok without being consumed by the app.
For Facebook, I would somehow spend longer than expected scrolling my feed, even though there were many accounts I do not follow and a ton of ads. I then removed the Facebook app from my phone, and I only have Messenger, as that is how I keep in touch with my family. I do still use Facebook on my laptop because I am in a few blogging groups and interest groups, like Nancy Drew. Also, I occasionally check on family members and update my Facebook page with a link to my latest blog post. I prefer using Facebook on my laptop as I am more intentional about how I use the platform, and I do not endlessly scroll my feed.
Twitter/X
Twitter/X is another social media platform where I would somehow spend hours each week scrolling through posts. However, there would be a ton of ragebait posts and made-up stories that were not worth my time or energy, and I would end up just feeling frustrated after closing out of the app. I then deleted the app from my phone, and I do occasionally use Twitter/X on my laptop. I will share my latest blog posts, and also some game devs and PR are active on Twitter/X, so I will visit their accounts when they are doing content creator searches. Like with Facebook, I am more intentional about how I use Twitter/X, and I will continue using the platform on my laptop.
With Instagram, I would also spend longer time than planned scrolling through photos, viewing Stories, and watching Reels, even though I have not posted on Instagram in over 2 years. I did delete the app, but then I later reinstalled it as one of my friends started messaging me on Instagram. It was easier to reply to her using my phone than having to open up my laptop every time. However, I do not let myself fall into the trap of continuously scrolling through photos. I will reply to my friend and then leave the app.
Bluesky
Bluesky is the only social media app I have not deleted from my phone at some point. I have not had the issue of doomscrolling on Bluesky compared to Twitter/X for example. Bluesky made a “Cozy Games” feed based on my interests, and I will just look at the recent posts from game devs and leave the app. Also, I will sometimes share pictures from my day, but I do not browse the Discover or Following tabs. With Bluesky, I can see the latest cozy game updates, share a photo, and leave without feeling like I need to continuously scroll through posts.
Final Thoughts
By deleting most of the social media apps from my phone, I have become more intentional about how I use social media. I no longer endlessly scroll through the apps, and I feel like I have more time for my other interests, including reading, gaming, and various creative projects. You should pay attention to how social media apps are affecting you. If you find yourself doomscrolling or using the app for longer than intended, consider deleting the app from your phone or setting a screentime limit for that app. However, if you find that the social media app is working for you and not the other way around, you can keep things how they are.
I don’t have tiktok or bluesky. But I do very frequently use Instagram and moderately use Twitter. .
Interesting post. I rarely use x anymore because it’s a cesspit, I fear Facebook is going the same way but I do like the blogger/book groups I’m a member of. Instagram is dangerous for endless scrolling. I miss social media being used to catch up with people rather than what it is now, I try to use it for those purposes. I’d be more than tempted to delete my apps