Staying Updated
During my one-month detox, I’d first hear about important news updates from my family, friends and colleagues. To stay updated, I also downloaded news apps to keep up with the news and subscribed to news outlets on Telegram for bite-sized information and fun happenings. For work-related matters, I turned to Workplace.
I realised that without social media, I paid more attention to the real world instead of celebrity news. Between the Kardashians’ outfit-of-the-day and updates on climate change, I’d rather be informed about the latter.
Insights After the Detox
Naturally, I did feel FOMO when I first started this detox. I was afraid of how others would view me if I could not keep up with society. But I am now glad to be the “odd one out”. Trends like the latest TikTok dance or bags that go viral don’t excite me anymore.
The trends that I find more appealing encourage self-improvement and healthy lifestyles, not comparison with others. During the peak of COVID-19, many people got in touch with nature again — cycling and exercising in the parks, or going for hikes. It made people realise how beautiful nature is (and how much we are missing out on).
Re-focusing on the Relationships That Matter
Now, at meet-ups, I put my phone away and focus on the people I care about and who truly care about me. I observe their body language, and endure the awkward silence before the laughter as we share our funny moments. It feels much more human and real.
Online relationships can only take you so far. The offline relationships are the people who will go far with you through various seasons.