10/04/2026
In the last month I've been spending way too much time on socials, up to 3 hours a day. This got worse surrounding the Cornell r**e situation.
Therefore, I made use of my phone's bedtime features... monotone after 7p, and a moment of mindfulness before the app opens. (My notifications have never been on). It worked like a charm. Anytime the value of a stimulus is reduced, and when a barrier is presented, even if it's small, behavior will change. This week, I went from spending 3 hours on Instagram each day to less than 10 minutes.
I will still check socials once a day or every other day, I will continue to post if a topic is relevant to dogs or myself, and I will respond to inquiries... But I will no longer make a habit of engaging with this platform.
I believe social media is a valuable modern day tool. It is a privilege to hear different perspectives, come together around impactful events, and learn new things. However, what I kept asking myself was... What now? We live in an age where many, including myself, have no problems sharing our thoughts. But if a thought doesn't become an action, especially with regards to ambition, tragedy, genocide... then those thoughts are not useful. In fact, spiraling in despair or in need of validation is harmful. Thus, I choose to step away so that I can preserve my time and emotional energy for the real actions I'll continue to take in my community.
Appreciate you all. Take care of yourself, alright?
