/Video/Why should you quit social media as soon as possible?

Why should you quit social media as soon as possible?

In a TEDxTalk video with nearly 10 million views, Cal Newport discusses the harmful effects of social media and recommends that users minimize or quit social media usage altogether. This change benefits both physical and mental health.

Cal Newport is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University (USA). In addition to researching the theoretical foundations of the digital age, Newport writes about the impact of technology on the working world.

Below is a summary of Cal Newport’s talk. To watch the full video, you can click here.

“You may not realize it, but you’re looking at something quite rare right now. I am a millennial computer scientist, author, standing on a TEDx stage, and yet, I’ve never had a social media account.

This story began rather coincidentally. Social media first appeared on my radar during my sophomore year in college. That was when Facebook arrived at my school. At the time, following the first dot-com bust, I had just shut down a small dorm room business. Suddenly, a Harvard student named Mark launched Facebook, and everyone was excited about it.

Out of a little envy for his early success, I decided, ‘I’m not using this thing. I’m not helping him build his business; it may not go anywhere anyway.’ But as life went on, I noticed that everyone around me was getting deeply involved with it. Looking at it objectively, I thought this seemed a little dangerous. So I never joined, and to this day, I’ve never had a social media account.

I’m here today for two reasons and to share two messages.

First, despite never having had a social media account, I’m perfectly fine – no need to worry. I still have friends, I know what’s happening in the world, and as a computer scientist, I still collaborate with people worldwide. I regularly encounter new, exciting ideas, and I rarely feel deprived of entertainment.

Not only am I fine, but I actually believe I’m better off. I feel happier, my life feels more sustainable, and I think I’ve been more successful in my work because I don’t use social media.

Second, my goal today is to convince more of you that you’d be better off without social media. If this TEDx event’s theme is ‘Stressful Futures,’ my vision of the future is one where fewer people use social media. That’s a bold statement, so I need to back it up.

What will I do? I’ll present three common arguments I hear in defense of social media, explain why they’re unconvincing, and offer the truth.

Argument 1: Social media is a foundational technology of the 21st century. Rejecting it is like choosing to commute by horse or use a rotary phone.

My response? This is nonsense. Social media is not foundational technology. It’s just a form of entertainment. Social media companies offer you flashy ‘gifts’ in exchange for your attention and personal data, which they sell to others. Saying you don’t use social media is not a major social statement—it’s merely choosing one form of entertainment over another.

Argument 2: Social media is essential for success in the 21st-century economy. Without a social media presence, no one will know who I am, I’ll miss opportunities, and I’ll disappear from the marketplace.

Again, I disagree. Markets value what is rare and valuable. Social media is an easily replicated activity that doesn’t generate significant value. What the market truly rewards are deep skills, focused efforts, and long-term investments in creating something meaningful.

Argument 3: Social media may not be necessary, but it’s harmless. I only use it occasionally and find it fun.

This is a mistake. Social media is not harmless. It can significantly damage your ability to focus. Research shows that excessive social media use reduces attention spans and affects workplace success.

Furthermore, social media has serious psychological downsides, including loneliness, depression, and anxiety. These effects have been well-documented in numerous studies, and we must confront these realities when deciding whether to continue using it.

Ultimately, life without social media can be incredibly positive.

You’ll focus more effectively, enjoy peaceful moments in your personal life without distractions, and rediscover balance and true happiness.

I hope that as more of you consider this issue, you’ll realize the many benefits of life without social media and choose to abandon this technology for your own well-being.”

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