DITCH SOCIAL MEDIA LIKE YOU DITCHED THE FOOD COURT

Social media dangled the carrot of audience, assuring us that “everyone” was there. It was the food court at the mall, the place for many of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s.

I remember spending time at the mall, when I was still trying to find myself. I dressed like a skater, rode BMX, played basketball with friends, and loved music. So yeah, I’d do a few laps at the mall to see and be seen with some friends.

But then I met Johnny Rydell (may he Rest in Peace). I joined his band, we played shows, we went to shows, and well, I can say my whole life became music some 35 years later.

The food court was no longer interesting because it gave me none of the things I loved. I didn’t miss it because something else was now taking up my time and attention.

This is my best metaphor about leaving social media – to stop giving our minutes to the platforms, and put them somewhere else. I spend 3+ hours a day walking. And a few hours a week hosting Escape Pod Zoom calls here with Social Media Escape Club.

We’ve all got so many hours a week to spend freely. Either invest them in yourself, or hand them over to social media.