In today’s hyper-connected world, social media can be both a lifeline and a source of overwhelming stress. After stepping away from it during a six-month sabbatical, I’ve decided to permanently change my relationship with platforms like Twitter (now X) — which has unfortunately turned into a totally ‘anti-social’ experience for me. I decided it was time for a social media detox.

What Sparked My Social Media Detox?

Last year, I was fortunate to take a six-month sabbatical — an opportunity to recharge and give the charity I work with a chance to operate without my presence. The very first thing I did? I switched off all my social media. Deleted the apps, removed the bookmarks, and stopped checking in.

What did I miss? Absolutely nothing. Say it again!

Dog looking across hills at sunset, social media detox

The Role of Social Media in Charity Work: A Double-Edged Sword

Since returning, I’ve hardly touched it. But it’s not as simple as saying “don’t use social media, it’s bad for you,” especially when you’re running a small charity. Most coaches and advisors will tell you that building an online presence is essential for growing your reach. For us, it certainly was.

Social media helped us connect with campaign networks, recruit volunteers, and raise awareness for our Gig Buddies project. It also allowed us to reach partner projects far beyond what I could have imagined.

At first, Twitter was a lovely place—filled with supportive, community-spirited people offering ideas and encouragement. It felt like a space for sharing and learning.

Smartphone showing Twitter logo sat on a box which says "handle with care", social media detox

But when I returned after my break, it was like stepping into a different world. Twitter had morphed into a toxic environment, and I was left wondering what had happened to the supportive community I once knew. I’m not the first to make this observation, but I just don’t see the point of staying on there any longer.

My social media detox had also made me realise I needed to break-up with Twitter altogether. It’s now my ‘X’.

So, I’m off.

Rebuilding a Positive Online Experience: Where I’m Headed Now

While I’m still struggling to find much joy in social media, I’ve changed my habits and focused my time elsewhere.

Twitter, in particular, is no longer a place I want to spend my energy.

For those of you who, like me, are questioning the value of social media in its current state, it may be time to step back and rethink how we engage with it. While these platforms can still be useful, it’s important to prioritise our well-being and find healthier ways to connect and share.

You can try a partial social media detox and only use certain platforms, or like me jump in and just pull out the plug altogether.

However, I still believe in the potential of social media as a force for good. I’m hoping to rediscover some of that positivity by trying something new.

I’m hopeful that new platforms, like BlueSky, will bring back the sense of community and support that made social media such a great thing. I’ve already found some of my old friends there, and a few new ones.

My social media detox has helped me reassess my relationship with it. I’m up for exploring new spaces and seeing where this next chapter takes me. I’m still full of hope, and I encourage you to join me in finding healthier, more positive ways to connect.

You can now find me on BlueSky — @heavyload (but not a lot!)

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