I Quit Social Media for 65 Weeks: What I Learned from My 2016-2017 Digital Detox

David Mohammadi set out for a simple two-week social media hiatus in 2016 but ended up staying offline for an incredible 65 weeks, spanning into 2017. During this time, he completely stepped away from Facebook notifications, Twitter mentions, and Instagram stories, experiencing a newfound presence and focus in his daily life.

“The first week was challenging, but by the second, I felt liberated,” David recalls. “As the weeks passed, I realized how refreshing it was to be fully present without constantly checking my phone.”

David’s initial motivation was to immerse himself in New York City’s vibrant culture and build genuine connections after leaving a comfortable yet unfulfilling retail job in San Francisco. He wanted to pursue a creative career in fashion without distractions from his past life or digital noise.

“I quit my job, moved here, and focused on interviews. I wanted to be truly engaged in New York, not worrying about what I was missing back in San Francisco,” he explains.

Having tried relocating to New York before in 2008, David remembered how social media had amplified his feelings of homesickness. This time, he was determined to avoid that pitfall by embracing traditional communication methods like phone calls and texts.

Breaking Free from Digital Distractions

Initially, David found himself habitually reaching for his phone, only to realize there was nothing to check. This eye-opening moment revealed how much time he had previously lost to endless scrolling and notifications.

Without social media distractions, David noticed a significant boost in his productivity at work. As a boutique manager, he observed colleagues frequently distracted by their phones, missing valuable opportunities to engage customers and make sales. Meanwhile, David remained attentive and present on the sales floor, capitalizing on potential connections.

“I realized how many chances I missed before because I was glued to my phone. Staying present opened doors to meaningful interactions and sales,” he shares.

Reevaluating Friendship in the Digital Age

Social media is a primary tool for staying connected, with 88% of Americans aged 18-29 on Facebook and nearly 60% on Instagram. But what happens when someone disappears from these platforms?

David made a conscious effort to maintain his friendships through direct calls and texts. However, he noticed that acquaintances often relied on social media as a substitute for genuine interaction, sometimes struggling to engage without online updates.

He likens this to a scene from the “Black Mirror” episode “Nosedive,” where characters obsessively reference online activity to fuel conversations. David observed similar behavior when reconnecting with friends in San Francisco, who mentally searched his absent social media presence for recent posts.

“They’d say, ‘I was just trying to remember what you last posted,’ which felt surreal,” he reflects.

Misunderstandings and Social Media Etiquette

David’s absence sparked misconceptions, with some friends assuming he had blocked them. This highlighted how social media inactivity can be misinterpreted as personal rejection in today’s digital culture.

He recalls a humorous yet telling incident where a friend refused to like his Instagram photos from a trip they didn’t attend, exposing the unspoken social pressures and petty dynamics that can arise online.

“It showed me how liking pictures has become a form of social currency, sometimes leading to unnecessary pettiness,” David notes.

Rediscovering Authentic Connections

Despite challenges, many of David’s friendships deepened during his detox. Without the distraction of social media, he became more intentional about reaching out and truly listening.

“I’m not a big texter, but I found myself calling friends more, wanting to hear their voices and understand what’s happening in their lives,” he says.

This experience reminded him that meaningful relationships have thrived for centuries without digital platforms, reinforcing the value of direct human connection.

However, some downsides emerged, such as feeling out of the loop during social conversations centered on viral content he hadn’t seen.

“Sometimes I’d miss references, and friends would say, ‘It’s not as funny if you didn’t see it,’ which made me feel disconnected,” he admits.

Returning to Social Media with Balance

After 65 weeks, David rejoined social media, motivated by a desire to stay connected with friends, especially those sharing major life milestones like having children or relocating.

Professionally, platforms like Instagram became essential tools for staying updated on fashion trends and discovering emerging talent during events like New York Fashion Week.

“I’m more selective now about what I share and how much time I spend online,” David explains. He disables notifications and avoids using the Facebook app on his phone, preferring to check it on his computer to reduce distractions.

“The detox taught me to use social media intentionally, rather than being consumed by it,” he says.

When old feelings of digital envy or hurt arise, David chooses humor over frustration. “If you don’t laugh at it, your detox probably needs to be even longer,” he jokes.

Kareem Yasin is a writer and editor passionate about health, wellness, inclusivity in media, and cultural topics. Connect with him on Twitter and Instagram.

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