By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
A growing number of people — especially Gen Z, young adults and older Americans — are reducing or quitting social media to protect their mental health, ease anxiety, and escape content fatigue.
Users are taking breaks or leaving platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, saying the apps increase stress.
Meanwhile, engagement is shifting to TikTok, YouTube and X, where people are more likely to build a brand, gather information or network rather than scroll passively or endure online arguments.
Many cite “platform fatigue” as the tipping point: an unpleasant environment, wasted time and pressure to maintain a polished image. Juggling multiple apps and digital tools can lead to information overload, fragmented data and burnout, all of which sap productivity.
The trend has fueled “posting zero,” a movement away from sharing content altogether. As feeds become dominated by brands, influencers and AI-generated posts, some users say social media no longer feels social. What once felt fun now feels like a chore — or a performance competing for attention.
Psychologists often compare social media to gambling. The cycle of checking notifications and waiting for likes or comments mirrors reward-based behavior, made more addictive by unpredictable payoffs.
For many, the realization is simple: seeking validation online was never the point. While the original promise of connecting with friends and family remains, it’s often buried beneath curated content and constant noise.
The result is a shift toward “digital minimalism.” People are choosing smaller, private or direct-message spaces instead of public feeds. Those who step back frequently report better sleep, lower anxiety and less comparison-driven stress.
Others bypass social media entirely, prioritizing real-world experiences, hobbies, careers and close relationships. Rather than chasing likes, they value authentic connections and personal growth.
They may seem anti-social to some. More often, they’re simply setting boundaries — choosing depth over distraction and life off-screen over life on display.
