But it's tempting to install them again and see what the world is up to. My life seems so boring in comparison to the world of the internet.
I've always compared it to a large playground where everyone is playing a certain game.
If you get tired of hanging out with one group of people, you could move to another place where interesting things are happening.
Who wouldn't get sucked into that realm? Who wouldn't want to live exciting lives instead of boring ones? Yes, the internet is virtual reality, but our brain doesn't see the difference.
Our brain is programmed to prefer connection and intimacy instead of loneliness. Even introverts (like myself) secretly wish we were extroverts. And could socialize in the real world.
Because the internet is virtual reality, it removes the need to go out for socialization. People prefer watching Instagram reels instead of hanging out with friends. Even though it's nowhere close to real connection, people get fooled by it.
Just like drugs provide a sense of security and comfort. And how masterbation tricks you into believing you're having sex.
By replacing social media for real friendship we are not just losing a chance for genuine connection. We're also distorting our views of the world.
The algorithm promotes only the exciting part of others' lives. It shows us happy couples living Hollywood-like lives. It shows us a group of friends traveling to exotic places.
It shows us a man/woman our age winning fortune and fame.
In short, it filters all the mundane parts of existence and shows us only the best moments. The cream of the crop. The epic montages.
It shows you (the audience) that you're not living a good life. To quote George Carlin, "It's a big club, and you ain't' in it."
This is why I deleted those apps.
Curiosity is a curse.
Seeking intimacy and connection isn't' the only reason we get addicted to social media.
Curiosity plays a vital role. Before we even open any app, our brain is like an excited child wanting to tear the box open and see what his Christmas present is.
That uncertainty gives us more pleasure than anything.
Every time you scroll, you get something new, unexpected. So you keep doing that for hours.
The biggest YouTubers, like MrBeast, appeal to your curiosity to build his billion dollar empire.
All of his videos make you ask questions: "What will happen if he gets buried alive?" or "Who will win the $500,000 prize?"
So you keep watching till the end to find out.
If you don't find a way to keep your curiosity in check, you'll waste your life being a slave to your curiosity.
I know deleting social media apps isn't enough. You have to cut the problem from the root. That's why I'm learning to…
Channel my curiosity.
Now that I've deleted those apps, I have two choices. Either get bored out of my mind, or learn something.
I've chosen the second option. In 2024 I will learn as much as I can about writing, storytelling, content, and psychology. I'll share them with you on this platform.
I recommend you do the same.
Instead of using your curiosity to make other people rich, why not make yourself rich? Instead of mindlessly consuming and thinking your life isn't' worth anything, why not create something and become confident?
If you enjoyed reading this, do yourself a favor. Join my free newsletter where I share fun insight on writing and content creation.
Your friend,
Ali