Giving Up Snapchat | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Giving Up Snapchat

I gave up Snapchat for two weeks and learned the joy of being intentional

337
Giving Up Snapchat
Lutherwood

Everyday, I wake up and the first thing I do is grab my phone. It's not a conscious choice, it is wholly a habit. Despite having my notifications off, I still checked social media at least 25 times a day and I'm sure sometimes, even more. However, there is one app in particular, the only app I had notifications on for, that seemed to dominate my time on my phone. Snapchat.

Snapchat is awesome, I'm the first person to tell you that. It's a fun and easy way to communicate with all of your friends and even family. It's a quick way to update long-distance friendships on what's going on in your life. I used Snapchat to keep my best friend back home in the loop as to who I was hanging out with. While I was in Europe, I used Snapchat to keep in touch with my grandma.

Eventually, it became centered around keeping streaks, not being left on open and showing the world how much "fun" I was having through my stories. During winter break, I found myself constantly opening Snapchat because of the constant boredom.

Finally, I decided it was time to let it go.

I had wanted to delete Snapchat and all social media for quiet some time and I felt God was really placing it on my heart, but I wanted to be in the loop of what my friends were doing and God forbid I lose a streak. That's when I realized that I was compromising my own convictions for a number next to a person's name. How ridiculous is that? We've all been there. I know so many people who give their passwords out to a friend to do their streaks if they know they won't have data!

For two weeks, I decided to commit to no social media, including Snapchat.

Here's what I learned:

1. I had to be way more intentional about who I wanted to talk to. I realized there were several people I simply talked to to keep a streak. Actually texting someone to ask how they were was so much more personal.

2. I didn't realize how many times a day I reached for my phone to Snapchat someone something funny that had happened or a goofy picture. It was so weird at first to not have such quick access to send pictures or saving memories.

3. After a while, I started realizing I was living more in the moment instead of taking a picture of the moment to make a memory. I know that's super corny, but it is so true. I was so much more intentional with my time and interactions with people.

Did I decide to give up Snapchat for good after 2 weeks? No.

I'm back on Snapchat but it doesn't consume large portions of my time. I only watch stories that I care to see, I don't constantly reach for my phone to capture a moment and I don't even have the notifications on.

I've said I've been more intentional a lot and that's simply the biggest lesson I learned from taking a break from social media.

Live life more intentionally and stay present.

God's Blessings.

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

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

150824
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

39398
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

34992
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments