It seems every once in a while we hear those messages about how social media is subtly making people unhappy and "life would be way better if you weren't on your phone all the time", etc.

I was required to quit social media entirely and reduce my internet usage by a court order for several months (not a child porn/luring offense or anything creepy). I tried to spin it in a positive direction, telling myself "now you can live than wholesome life with real connections people talk about". It didn't happen.

My focusing on school and work didn't make me any better at school or work, I made very few new friends and lost contact with old acquaintances. Being "out of the loop" of current events didn't de-stress me at all.

I understand all the theories about internet addiction, I just want to share my first-hand experience about how going cold turkey is a recipe for sadness.

Thanks for listening