Each new year begins with a slew of resolutions, but by March (or even the end of January), they will almost all be put on the shelf. The best example is probably gyms. Filled after the holidays, they quickly become more breathable for regulars. This year, however, if there is something that should motivate more than one it is the toxic relationship we have with our iPhone. Especially with social media apps that often distract us from real life and even the incredible capabilities of our phones.
A plague
While I watch stupid videos on TikTok or listen to the latest stock market advice from a so-called self-taught person who made his fortune on YouTube, I don’t use the Macro mode of my iPhone 16 Pro to see the life of the infinitely small, I don’t FaceTime with my grandmother in Brittany and, even, I don’t take advantage of the power of the A18 Pro chip on Assassin’s Creed Mirage (I can’t yet do it on Apple Intelligence, still absent in France). Yet all of this brings me more joy than social media. Obviously, leaving social networks is not an easy task, but it is the ideal start to rediscover an authentic social (and physical) life.
Here are the apps I deleted from my device:
- Instagram : Known for its influencers of all kinds, who can sell a post to a brand for millions of dollars, this is the first one that I deleted.
- TikTok : The king of short video content that can make me waste hours every day. Farewell.
- Facebook : The basic social network, now a hub for community groups and personal updates that no longer has anything interesting. No regrets.
- YouTube : The video giant, perfect for endless content consumption (really), but stuffed with ads and nonsense. Bye bye!
- LinkedIn : Professional networking but still a time sink with updates and relationships. Without forgetting the news feed, which has become a sort of Instagram for the entrepreneur, with a hint of Tinder. Ciao.
- Snapchat : Famous for its ephemeral stories and direct messaging. I have the impression that there are only malicious people on it. Finished !
- Pinterest : A visual discovery engine for inspiration and ideas. I spent too much time there, stop!
- Threads : Meta’s latest venture into text-based social networking. I hesitated, but deleted it. I prefer to keep X, to follow the news. Good luck!
A trash can is the icons of the main social networks. © iPhoneSoft.Not everyone has the same goal
If escaping from the digital world, as our friend Justin did in 2015 with his Digital Detox, often aims to achieve full consciousness, my 2025 goal is ultimately less profound. I want my iPhone to once again become a communication tool with those close to me, but also an engine of creativity, entertainment and productivity. Clearly, I don’t want to part with it.
With devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max or (this also applies to a Samsung Galaxy S24), we have mini-computers close by. Enough to use artificial intelligence to improve your writing, retouch images or even test ideas, but also play games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Resident Evil 2 Remake (my favorite of the series), COD Warzone, and more Again. Without forgetting taking photos for yourself, for memories and family sharing, with now very advanced settings (with or without a third-party application), post-production, etc.
All this is in addition to many other features that we know, such as managing your calendar, listing your next tasks, creating shortcuts to make your life easier, listening to your favorite music, following a sports program or any other personal need.
However, very often, these uses are often overshadowed by the addictive attraction of social networks. When you don’t know what to do, instead of resting, going to read or checking in on your friends, you launch Insta, TikTok and others.
A radical decision
To no longer be trapped in this vicious circle, you must start by deleting the applications that are causing the problem. Once you have taken this step, you will find time and morale again. Indeed, in addition to being extremely time-consuming, social networks are also well known for being a significant source of depression, acting like a poison on more or less fragile people. It’s not surprising, their algorithms are evil because, whatever they say, they are designed to keep you as long as possible, offering you content that is impossible to refuse. Funny, unusual, shocking, intriguing, they have all the characteristics to pique your curiosity. And even when we are aware of it, we are fooled.
Obviously, not everyone has an interest in proceeding in such a radical manner. But it’s a bit like for those who want to quit smoking or lose weight: the timid approach doesn’t work, taking the bull by the horns is the only possible path to success.
Whether it’s to find time away from screens or use it better on your phone, deleting social networks can only be a good thing. You will be able to take advantage of this to see who your real friends are and find a healthier, less frustrating and more exciting life. Live your life, not that of others.
Don’t hesitate to talk in the comments about your use of the iPhone.
