Goodbye, Social Media

Quitting social media is something I’ve thought about, contemplated, and even “threatened” to do for a few years.

And honestly, the pure fact that I even thought about deleting or deactivating my accounts should have been reason enough to do it.

So why now?

Social media - specifically Instagram - has hurt my mental health. There have been countless studies that explain this feeling (just Google it).

Believe me, I’ve reminded my brain that the algorithm is everchanging and that’s why “no one likes my art.” But that layer of self-doubt, insecurity, and jealousy kept creeping in.

From time to time, I would take unannounced breaks here and there and I would always feel better. Thinking I “cured” myself, I’d come back to socials. But eventually, I would start to feel bad about my art - every time.

Will I miss Instagram?

Part of it, yes. But truthfully, the part I will miss is the part that I already miss. I miss the connection and seeing all the cool stuff my friends are up to. Instagram doesn’t show me that stuff anymore.

I’m looking forward to creating just for me. I hate that I even have to say it, but I have created for the socials…because I thought that’s what people would want to see. Or because that’s what the algorithm wants. I’m very excited to be done with that. In fact, I’ve already filled five pages in my sketchbook because I knew I was the only person who’d see them.

So, how will we stay connected?

For starters, you can email me! Just say hi, ask what’s up, that sort of thing.

Or, you can join the email subscription list. I send an email once a month with a recap of blog posts and whatnot.

Lastly, you can join me and create cool stuff with me for the Mail Art Loop (this IG account will stay active) for now.

What’s next?

I don’t think anything is next. Or maybe everything? Never say never. Never say forever. But for right now, you can find my work here and in the monthly email.

Be well!

xoxo
j