Dynamics of (Not) Being Perceived: Grief and Relief After Leaving Social Media

9 hours ago

The author describes leaving social media as a personal and emotional decision aimed at reclaiming freedom and emotional space, comparing it to a chestnut's need to open up to grow.
Leaving social media expanded the author's world by increasing presence in real-life experiences but also reduced connections with acquaintances and made staying updated on events harder.
The author faced mixed reactions from others, including concerns about mental stability and unsolicited justifications for using social media, highlighting a dissonance between self-perception and digital perception.
Practical challenges emerged, such as difficulty in digital media research, potential professional limitations, and managing overstimulation from alternative communication tools like Signal groups.
The author reflects on gains like a changed sense of time, safety from online harassment, and deeper real-life connections, while acknowledging grief over lost digital interactions and community.
The essay concludes that the choice to leave or stay on social media is personal, with no right or wrong answer, emphasizing the balance between protection and stifling that digital husks provide.

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