Intentional Social Media Detox

I’ve been on a social media fast since last September 1st.

The longer I stay away from Facebook and Instagram, the less rubbish wanders through my mind. And I’ll keep it that way.

Granted, I still use YouTube as a source of entertainment and education. But it feels much more intentional now in what I choose to watch and listen to.

Ever since I started creating videos for my YouTube channels, it has become a habit to simply create and share what entertains and teaches me the most — my FPV drone journey, hiking adventures, videography skills, storytelling, and more.

It’s become more rewarding to create and be immersed in the process of bringing to life what interests me most.

Perhaps I can even see YouTube no longer as a social media platform but more as an interest media tool, at least from a creator’s perspective.

I know I still have a lot to learn when it comes to video creation and blogging, but my principle has always been that no progress comes from creating nothing at all.

Then there’s the psychological side of it — being afraid of what others might think of me and my content. From my experience, the more you post online, the more you realize that most people don’t even notice you in all the internet noise. Most are too busy with their own lives and priorities. Thinking that the whole world is somehow watching every step you take online is one big illusion.

But here’s the beautiful part. The more I share online, the more I see that the people who do care, really care. Strangers from all over the world suddenly become like online friends, cheering and supporting me from every corner of the globe — even those who can’t speak English, I’ve noticed.

Sure, it’s only a small circle of loyal online friends who read and watch what I share, but I’ve learned that this is actually a good thing. I couldn’t possibly respond to hundreds of comments a day. That would be a nightmare, and I’d lose the connection I have with my small audience.

When my online friends share similar interests or create content like mine, I take the time to watch what they’ve made. It’s funny how, in this vast online world, we might know little about each other personally, yet feel deeply connected through the passions we share.

Maybe that’s what the internet should really be — not a place to impress strangers, but a place to express what makes us feel alive.