Which social media app could you not live without?
That’s a loaded question these days. For many of us, the answer used to be obvious. Facebook, Instagram, maybe X — they were how we stayed in the loop. They helped us keep tabs on friends, follow news, share wins, and weigh in on whatever was trending.
But lately? I’ve been feeling like deleting it all.
And I know I’m not alone.
We’re Connected… But Are We?
Social platforms promised to bring us together. And in many ways, they did. We can reach people across the country (or the world) instantly. We can reconnect with classmates, cousins, colleagues. We can share a birthday post, a promotion, a new puppy.
But in between those genuine moments are ads, algorithms, and endless scrolling.
We’re spending more time staring at highlight reels and outrage posts than we are having real conversations. We’re posting more and meaning it less. And somehow, we feel more distracted, more anxious, and less truly connected than ever.
The Real Cost of Always Being “On”
There’s something exhausting about always being on. Always available. Always reacting. It blurs the line between work and rest, between real relationships and passive followers.
We check our phones out of habit. We get pulled into threads that don’t matter. And worst of all, we tell ourselves this is what connection looks like now.
But is it?
Or are we trading depth for distraction?
What Happens When You Step Back
Unplugging—even just for a few days—can be eye-opening. You realize how often you reach for your phone just to fill space. You notice how quiet things feel when no one’s demanding your attention. You see how much better your mind works when you’re not constantly jumping from post to post.
And maybe, just maybe, you start to redefine what connection actually means.
What Matters More Than the Feed
There’s nothing wrong with social media itself. It’s a tool. But like any tool, it can either serve you or steal from you, depending on how you use it.
One genuine conversation beats a hundred algorithm-approved likes.
One hour of deep work outweighs three hours of scrolling.
One quiet evening with your thoughts can do more good than all the trending topics combined.
So What Now?
If you’re feeling the urge to unplug, listen to it.
Delete an app for a week. Turn off your notifications. Set limits and see how it feels. You might be surprised at how little you actually miss—and how much clarity you gain.
Connection isn’t found in a feed. It’s built in the in-between moments, in real conversations, and in quiet pauses where you can actually hear yourself think.
And if you decide to come back? Do it on your terms.
Because staying connected is great—but not if it means losing touch with yourself.
