When the Cambridge Analytica scandal became public, I decided to delete FB and messenger app from my phone and entirely delete my Instagram account. I’m more than sure that Instagram is undoubtedly not missing me as a user.
Since March 2018 I have been living without FB, and the messenger on my phone and I have re-discovered that the life outside my phone does exist. It is possible to have fulfilling, full of fun life without having to check my phone every few minutes for updates, news, likes, dislikes, comments, conversations etc.
Only now, after not being plugged in for over six months I can see how much of my life was consumed by the unnecessary acts of checking and feeling updated, “on top” of whatever my brain was dealing with
Before the Cambridge Analytica leak, every morning before I got out of bed, I had to check my phone, my FB, and my Instagram. Now when I wake up, I read a book instead of a news feed, cuddle up to my son and talk to him without the inner anxiety that I am missing something “important” that needs my attention right away, which is only a few clicks away.
Also, my commuting to central London became much more diverse and exciting. Instead of checking my feed and replying to messages, I take my laptop with me and write, or read a book, or knit. How awesome is that?
When I’m out and about with Little M., I don’t have my phone glued to my hand, having fun quality time with him instead of being distracted by every single beep.
Even watching films have become less distracting. I don’t do the second screening, which means that I’m not half-watching the film and half-reading the news.
Oh, and the news, the relentless news is not dominating my life any longer, what makes me happier and more aware of my surrounding.
Deleting my FB, Instagram (for good) and the messenger from my phone was one of the best decisions I made recently. Finally, I’m not a slave to a company that takes no responsibility for their actions and, regardless of what they say, wants to be political; look at their latest Global Affairs, and Communication hire (Nick Clegg).