How to have a social media detox this January

Did a social media detox feature on your 2025 vision board? Let’s be real: social media can be a vibe with TikTok rabbit holes and chaotic group chats, but it can also be negative with doomscrolling and FOMO.

If you’ve been feeling a bit meh after hours of scrolling over the holidays, a social media detox could be great. Here’s how to nail it without feeling like you’re missing out (too much).

Delete the apps or go cold turkey

Out of sight, out of mind? Sometimes it’s pure habit that makes us reach for social media, and if you delete them, the temptation is taken away. If that’s not enough, then maybe it’s time to go cold turkey and temporarily deactivate your accounts.

Decide how long you want your detox to be and then stick to it! You might even enjoy the peace and want to extend.

If you’re really not ready to go cold turkey with social media, try:

• Unfollowing or muting accounts that you’re not feeling
• Using time limits
• Picking times when social media is off-limits, like during lectures

Distract yourself

So you’ve deleted socials for a week… now what? Why don’t you replace your scrolling habit with something equally entertaining?

• Get reading
• Start journaling
• Try a new hobby
• Enjoy face-to-face convos and hang out with mates IRL

Got FOMO?

Let’s be real: one of the hardest parts of a detox is the fear of missing out. What if there’s tea in your group chat? What if your crush posts a thirst trap? Trust me, you’ll live.

Instead of focusing on what you might miss, think about what you’ll gain—more time, less stress, and maybe even a bit of calm to start the year.

Cheat days are allowed

Look, we get it—detoxing isn’t easy. If you slip up and check Insta or end up deep in a TikTok hole, don’t beat yourself up. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s just giving your brain a break.

Go on, give it a go. Your brain will thank you later.

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