If I had a penny for every time I said “That’s enough social media for me today” in the past few months, I’d be Oprah.
As a writer, I have to be connected to social media regularly to get real-time updates, network, and engage with my audience, and I am not the only one. With over 5.07 billion active users worldwide, platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become indispensable for staying connected with friends, family, and the latest news.
Additionally, the usage of these platforms has skyrocketed, with the average person spending nearly 2.5 hours daily scrolling through feeds, liking posts, and sharing content. However, the downside of using social media sometimes outweighs its benefits. In a world where social media dominates daily life, a growing number of people are choosing to step away from the virtual world. According to a survey conducted in the United States in March 2024, 35% of adults reported that they had taken an extended break from social media because it was harming their mental health.
With growing evidence, experts believe the use of social media has negative impacts on women’s mental health, from its addictive nature to disruptions in sleep patterns to effects on body image. A new study by York University’s Faculty of Health found young women who took a social media break for as little as one week had a significant boost in self-esteem and body image.
I spoke to a few Nigerian women who have – either temporarily or permanently – quit social media, about what led to the decision.
A need for sanity
For Oluwanifesimi, a 23-year-old Lagos-based sales specialist, getting on Facebook in 2013 was a means to stay connected with friends, staying on, however, is a choice she now describes as “mentally draining”. Having joined other social media platforms over the years, she says “TikTok and Snapchat are time-consuming, X is filled with negativity. LinkedIn in particular has been overwhelming for me. I always feel like I’m not enough or advancing when I see people share updates on their careers which affects my confidence.”
While she still uses social media regularly for work, Oluwanifesimi expressed commitment to leaving social media as soon as work is done and “spending more time with family and friends outside.”
Breaking free from the cycle
For 30-year-old entrepreneur, Esther, social media had become an unhealthy obsession. “I was spending hours each day scrolling through Facebook and Instagram, feeling like I was missing out if I didn’t stay connected.” After making an expenditure of the month’s expenses which revealed the excessive amount spent on data subscription, Esther realised she needed a change.
Esther decided to delete all social media platforms. “It was liberating. I rediscovered my love for bag making, reconnected with friends and family, and focused on my business.”
Finding self-worth beyond likes
“I’m very beautiful and get tons of comments and likes on my posts, but that’s exactly why I’m taking a break from social media.” 25-year-old student, Bunmi says after a series of particularly suggestive comments on some of her posts, Bunmi decided to take a step back.
“I always had to triple-check my pictures to ensure I wasn’t giving men a reason to give nasty comments but nothing worked so I left.” Nigerian women face unique pressures, from societal expectations and unrealistic beauty standards and when they do not meet these standards, they receive backlash in the form of body shaming or sexualisation.
“I’ve been off social media for six months now,” she says. “It’s been a journey of self-discovery. I feel less pressure to put extra effort into how I look and I’ve learned to appreciate my uniqueness and find validation within myself, not from likes and followers.”
Desperate for a purge
What started as a one-month break has evolved into Seyi’s decision to stay off X (formerly Twitter) permanently. “There’s always bad news. If a woman is not getting sexually assaulted, she’s getting murdered by a loved one. ” said the 27-year-old banker.
In the last few months, the Nigerian X space has been flooded with cases of violence against women ranging from verbal attacks to the senseless and brutal killing of different women. The frequency of this information is bound to have a ripple effect on the behaviours and mind space of people.
Experts report that repeated exposure to news coverage of violence has been linked to poor mental health consequences — such as flashbacks — in the immediate aftermath and post-traumatic stress responses and physical health problems over time, even among individuals who did not directly experience the event.
A collective awakening
As these women continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s clear that social media breaks are not just a temporary escape but a necessary step toward reclaiming mental well-being, self-worth, and genuine connections.
As Seyi aptly puts it, “Social media is just a tool; it’s time we take back control and use it, not let it use us.”
While social media has its benefits, it’s essential to recognise its potential harm and take steps to mitigate it. By being mindful of our usage of these platforms and taking breaks when needed, we can promote healthier online habits and improve our overall well-being.
