I used to be on literally every major social network app you could think of, it started off with MySpace then moved to Facebook and then as social platforms came along I joined them and made friends, got in contact with old friends and made new ones.
Then the world changed pretty drastically post covid, social platforms seemed to favour toxicity, depressing stories and whatnot, it was affecting my mental health so after some deep thought I ripped myself off everything (bar Reddit, which I recently joined back onto and loving it).
This decision has basically severed ties with everyone I knew, nobody even sends a text/calls and the only irl friends I have don’t even come see me.
As a huge introvert and someone who gets anxious and depressed fairly quickly it’s sending me down a spiral I’m not enjoying and despite my best efforts (subreddits for finding friends) it isn’t working at all.
Sorry I’m aware most TIFU posts are pretty funny, this one isn’t…if you read this far then big kudos to you ❤️.
TL:DR I went from social media addict to cold turkey and now I’m a friend less depressed mess of a man
Comments
Could have been worse (Never could be)
Good news! If everyone in your life disappeared after it stopped being brain-dead convenient to reach out with social media, you never had any friends to begin with.
We’re you crying when you typed this up?
Not trying to be facetious here, but have you spoken with a mental health professional? A good therapist could help.
Do you play videogames stranger? 😀
You’re not alone in feeling like this. Honestly though, this isn’t a failure, it’s a reset. That silence you’re feeling right now, it’s space. And that space gives you a chance to rebuild.
You need to get out of the house. Find hobbies. Go to the gym. You don’t need to talk to anyone, just be around people. Be an introvert there if you want, but get your body moving and give your mind a break from isolation. That energy shift matters more than you think.
The idea that we need social media to feel connected is nonsense. I grew up without it and don’t use it now, and I’m perfectly fine. The real issue is we’ve been trained to think being bored or alone is a problem. It’s not. That’s just normal life. Learn to sit in that space and focus on building yourself up.
Work on your mental health. Build your confidence. Start something, anything, that gives you purpose. Add value to your life emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially. People will come when you’re walking in purpose, but even if they don’t, you’ll be solid because you know who you are.
It starts with showing up for yourself, every day.
Op- there’s plenty of places online to for friendships and join communities. There’s nothing g wrong with looking into that. I’d also recommend picking out whomever you thought was your best friend, and co rafting them directly and inviting them over for coffee or a drink. Make the first move.
Looks like they were NOT real friends. Friends stick ti each other, in the real world. No need of social media…
Go spend some time volunteering at the animal shelter. They need company and they’ll appreciate you for it.
Real friends will find a way to contact you regardless of whether you are on social media or not.
Deleted my Facebook/twitter/Instagram ages ago and just contact my family purely via messaging apps text or call. As also an Introvert I love the peacefulness without those. If they (friends on social media) want something from me they find a way, they got my number/email/added some of my family members to their friends list. My 2 long time friends will call or text me if they want help or just chatting.
It probably also helps that I have quite a few hobbies and one of those hobbies helps me when I’m really feeling depressed.
Maybe pick up a new hobby? There are plenty of hobbies that introverts enjoy and may open up new things for you.
Hey OP, I also got rid of all social media a few years ago (bar Reddit, which I use with a daily timer limit), and I can say it’s made my life noticeably better! While the number of “friends” in my life dropped significantly, the bond with my real friends got stronger. I now call and speak to them regularly, which is much more cohesive than a chat or an endless meme bounce-off.
Also, if you want to make a new friend, DM me 🙂 it’s always nice to meet new people!
Nah, you’ll feel better soon
Don’t know if this is good news or bad news but: Reddit is social media so you’re not out of it yet
I know how you feel.
A while ago i also cut myself from all social medias… Just came to realise it alwasnt true friendship … Why should i care for my neighhourgs meals ?
Ive moved different cities twice now, made a reset everytime on people around me.
Also did a reset once whitout moving.
I work eith people 40h/week. I dont need much people around me but i always have a few i see often and some i see once a month or every few months.
First thing to ask yourself is what do you like (besides everything screen related) ? What do you want ? Just go do the things you like, you will meet people this way and naturally, you will make friends, sometimes the people you eill meet this way will not be the ones you end up friends with, but they will help you meet other people who might end up great friends.
Cheers up. Its hard when depressed but you need to give yourself that kick in the butt, take care of olyourself and start doing things outside your house.
There is no rocket science to meet people you just have to be you and do it.
I recently did this too. Focusing on spending time where it matters. Future, Family time and most of all putting time into you. You are what comes before anyone and you’ll feel all the better for doing so. Just small changes or improvements can spiral into bigger and better just like the wrong path can as well. It’s what you choose on how you live your life 🙂
Give yourself some time before jumping to “TIFU” and try to enjoy the peacefulness from your phone buzzing all the time or people knowing your business. I’ve enjoyed the time away from having to check socials or waiting on people messaging cause I feel left out of things. You do you and you will thank yourself even if it does feel lonely at the beginning.
Best of luck 🤞
defo start hobbies.
join book clubs, dancing classes, etc.
Find something youre curious about out of your comfort zone. some are great places to make new mates