Why I Don't Prefer an Online Presence on Social Media

I don’t have the luxury of spending my time on things that don’t add value to my life. While social aspects of life are nice to have, they don’t justify the effort they demand. On the contrary, social media often has undesired effects on me. Here are some reasons why I avoid it:

1. Social media is just another product with psychological hooks.

It is designed to exploit our social instincts for engagement and consumption.

2. I don’t find the idea of showcasing my life appealing.

Sharing significant or insignificant moments of my life doesn’t amuse me.

3. I don’t seek validation from strangers.

The thought of people judging my life while scrolling absentmindedly (or sitting on a toilet) doesn’t sit well with me.

4. Over-communication can harm relationships.

Constantly staying in touch with people you rarely meet in real life can lead to strained or superficial relationships.

5. There are better sources of entertainment.

Music, art, books, and trivia provide more fulfilling engagement than endless scrolling.

6. Dominance in the virtual world doesn’t translate to real-world respect.

People might admire you online, but that admiration rarely holds weight in real-life interactions.

7. Social media leaves behind an insignificant footprint.

Let’s face it—no one will study your selfies, your most touching posts, or your wittiest jokes as historical artifacts.

8. It’s a constant distraction.

Social media apps are engineered to capture attention for as long and as often as possible. This raises an important question: Are you doing something meaningful enough to avoid being distracted? Passive consumption is always easier than active engagement.

9. I’m not obligated to use social media just because others do.

I wasn’t born with a username and password. Using social media is a choice, not a necessity. My default position is not to use it, and the fact that others do doesn’t compel me to follow suit.

Not everyone feels the same way I do. People are unique, though perhaps similar to some extent. However, one thing is the same for all of us: time. It’s limited and, therefore, precious. While some may not realize this yet, it’s a matter of personal understanding, and true realization comes only when one reflects on their own terms.