I Gave Up Social Media For 6 Weeks And I Liked It | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Technology

I Gave Up Snapchat For 6 Weeks And Would Do It Again In A Heartbeat

... but I haven't.

172
I Gave Up Snapchat For 6 Weeks And Would Do It Again In A Heartbeat
Unsplash

Over the summer, I traveled to London to study for six weeks. While I was there, I had a data plan with my American plan that allowed international service in the UK, but here's the catch: it allowed less than 1 GB per month. As you may know, that is barely anything. I could only use data when I absolutely needed in emergencies (mostly when I was lost). This meant that I had to sacrifice a lot of cell phone time.

I could only really go on my phone when I was at my apartment and connected to wifi or able to use the free wifi at some restaurants. Looking back, I probably only used my phone for a total of about two or three hours per day. This was a huge difference from at home when I am on my phone virtually 24/7, but I had no other choice. And let me tell you, it was the best thing that could have happened to me on that trip. I was completely unplugged and immersed in my experience.

Since I had such limited time on my phone, Snapchat was the first social media for me to cut back on. It takes too much time (and data) to keep up with stories so I didn't watch a single snap story in my six weeks in London. I did try to keep up with Instagram when I could, but other than that I only used my phone really for iMessage with friends and family back home. When I returned to the US, I would catch up with girlfriends and they would say "OMG, did you see Sally's snap story a few weeks ago with Jim?!?!?" and my reply would just be "Nope. I was in London, I was not worried about social media and I didn't see a thing."

I didn't feel FOMO. I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. I didn't feel behind on any events. I simply felt relieved. It was almost like a weight lifted off my shoulders knowing I didn't have to worry about going on my phone constantly and keeping up with all the social media. I could just be 100% present with the people I was with on my adventure and I could soak everything in with no distractions. I am so happy I was not worried about posting things for people at home to see how much fun I was having. Yes, of course, I was having a blast and I posted things here and there so everyone knew I was alive, but I was not documenting every aspect of my life. It felt good.

Now, I am back to my old addicting ways of going on my phone regularly. Not as much as before though. I only check Snapchat a two or three times a day and I don't really care much about posting about my life 24-7. I mostly use social media out of boredom, but I don't feel the same pressure to be up to speed with everyone's personal life at all hours of the day. If I had to go without my phone or social media, I easily could and I would enjoy it just as much the next time around. However, circumstances have not led to that so I guess I will just continue to be a mild user for now. Maybe one day I will switch over to being completely unplugged, but for now, I enjoy a casual splurge here and there.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

4161
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

450452
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22214
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

45128
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments