The Dilemma of Social Media Dopamine

The cycle of checking for notifications creates a sense of anticipation. When notifications are absent, feelings of disappointment can set in, as we have been conditioned to expect them. Max Fisher, a New York Times journalist and author of "The Chaos Machine," elaborates on this phenomenon: "Notifications themselves aren't the problem. But they become one when social media platforms pair them with positive affirmation — those likes, follows, updates from friends, and photographs of family, pets, food, and beautiful scenery."

I had grown accustomed to seeing thousands of likes on my posts, and the absence of notifications left me feeling incomplete.

The Liberating Decision to Delete Instagram

With every waking moment no longer consumed by Instagram, I found myself:

• Reusing outfits without concern for aesthetic presentation
• Mindfully enjoying my meals instead of rushing to capture them
• Embracing my body without the constant comparison to others

I began to exist in the moment, getting to know myself rather than living for the 'gram. The freedom from societal expectations was liberating; I realized I could simply be myself, which was a beautiful revelation.

Marcus Aurelius once said, "You see how few things you have to do to live a satisfying and reverent life?"

Imagine a time when my mornings were filled with anxiety over my appearance, constantly critiquing my skin or body shape. The harsh self-talk was damaging and unfair, especially when I was kinder to others. This realization prompted me to delete my Instagram account.

Self-Reflection and Growth

With my primary source of dopamine removed, I had ample time. Instead of instinctively reaching for my phone, I engaged with books, videos, and my own thoughts.

Reading "Deep Work" by Cal Newport transformed my perspective, affirming that I wouldn’t return to the influencer lifestyle. Newport emphasizes that humans are not designed for multitasking, and the detrimental effects of excessive scrolling on our mental health are significant. "Who you are, what you think, feel, and do, what you love — is the sum of what you focus on," he writes.

This insight led me to explore my true self. It’s easy to feel self-aware when you relate to memes or books, but there's a vast universe within that can remain unexplored if you're constantly distracted. Newport asserts, "Digital minimalism does not reject the innovations of the internet age, but instead challenges the way many engage with these tools."

I discovered that while I enjoy creating content, I do not enjoy being photographed or editing images. This revelation prompted me to channel my creative energy into writing, a passion I had long overlooked.

Learning from the Successful

With newfound time, I studied individuals whose lives I admired—not the conventional success stories, but those embodying my vision of an ideal life. I grasped concepts such as:

• Instant Gratification: Understanding the importance of practicing delayed gratification, as significant rewards often take time. Social media fosters an immediate sense of reward through likes.
• Abundance Mindset: Shifting from endless comparisons to recognizing that there is space for everyone to thrive.
• Growth Mindset: Acknowledging the need for mindset shifts to unlock opportunities for substantial change.
• Deep Work: Embracing focused effort as a key to achieving remarkable results.

Book Recommendations:

• "Deep Work" by Cal Newport
• "Mindset" by Dr. Carol Dweck
• "Grit" by Angela Duckworth

Bridging the Gap to Fulfillment

"Less mental clutter means more mental resources available for deep thinking," says Newport.

Once I became aware of my dissatisfaction, I realized that achieving my ideal lifestyle was within reach. I took steps to bridge the gap between my current reality and my aspirations. This journey led me to transition from my corporate job to becoming a full-time solopreneur. I was able to make this shift because I liberated myself from seeking external validation and reclaimed at least 45 hours each month by stepping back from Instagram.

By silencing notifications and immersing myself in deep work, I freed up approximately 50 hours each month—equating to 600 hours a year. This change has the potential to transform your life, all by disconnecting from social media.

Give it a try.

"It has the three traits that make people love their work: impact, creativity, and control." — Cal Newport

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