I’ll admit, I’m pretty old school when it comes to technology (or almost anything in life in general), but I’ve had it with social media.
I’ve been spending too much time scrolling down a screen to keep up with other people’s lives. I spend more time checking up on posts of girls showing off their boobs or ass and feeling insecure about my own body instead of looking at myself in the mirror and appreciating myself for who I am.
I spend more time scrolling through strangers' profiles to see what they do and what their interests are instead of doing things that actually bring me pleasure and knowledge, like reading the book that has been waiting for me on my nightstand for months.
I spend more time taking pictures of the scenery around me for my streaks rather than looking up and actually enjoying the view for myself.
So I did it. For these reasons and many others, I deleted my social media (the ones I am completely addicted to, at least). And yes, I will admit that these past two days have indeed been hard. I’m constantly being tested by the Universe in having to find entertainment from activities that do not involve stalking strangers' lives or relying on my phone.
I have so much time on my hands now that I’m actually kind of bored. I wake up to no notifications on my phone except for some regarding school, I start my homework and finish it in three hours instead of the usual five to six hours, I finally picked up that book sitting on my nightstand and started reading it (I’m on page 73 in just one day), and I even have time to stare at the blue sky and admire the trees. I’ve become a total responsible philosopher in just two days.
I also have free time when I’m on the shuttle on my way to and from school. I just sit there and have nothing to do. So today, I decided to read and acknowledge the people beside me. I smile at the guy sitting across from me and the girl that walks in, but of course, they must think I’m being a total creep, because that’s what our generation has labeled those who smile and are trying to be kind: a creep. I don’t really care though, I’m just content because I’m starting to feel human again. After so many years of investing my time on superficial accounts, I’m taking the time to greet and look at the real people sitting right beside me.
I’ll be honest, I’m not so sure how long this rebellion of mine is going to last, but so far, these two past days have been refreshing. I’m enjoying the free time to do the things I say I never have time for. I’m also kind of relieved that people don’t know my every move or my location (that should be what’s creepy, not me smiling at people just to be polite). I like having more time for myself to write, read, reflect, cook, go to the gym, and just live. Plus, I think my eyes are appreciating the rest from not staring at the horrible phone screen all day.