This post was updated Jan. 14 at 6:42 p.m.

Many young adults are beginning to deactivate and delete their social media accounts, and those who do find the benefits well worth the sacrifice.

In today’s hyperconnected world, social media can feel as essential as air, especially for busy college students navigating social, academic and professional demands. While these platforms provide connection and entertainment, research has found that constant access can be a significant detriment to users’ mental health.

Studies reveal that stepping away from social media can improve well-being and reduce stress. Those who disconnected from social media for just two weeks reported better sleep and an increased ability to complete tasks mindfully both during and after the detox.

For UCLA students, deactivating social media periodically could enhance mental health, productivity and overall happiness in the long run. These platforms are here to stay, after all.

A few weeks ago, I ran along a panoramic bluff at sunset and stopped to take pictures for Instagram, wondering how many likes my story might receive. I realized that moments like these – meant to nurture mindfulness – turned into a fixation on curating an online persona.

I decided to step away from social media for one month that night.

I’ve experienced the benefits of a digital detox firsthand. But I also realized that my relationship with social media was more problematic than I thought.

Even after deleting my apps, my fingers instinctively typed “Instagram” into my browser for days. Realizing how ingrained the habit was in me was humbling. Breaking this compulsion took time, but the clarity I gained made it worth the effort.

I also found that social media had been distracting me from the beauty of daily life. I focused so much on making my life look perfect on social media that I neglected to appreciate more imperfect, impromptu occurrences, such as a movie night with my little brother or a grocery run with my friends.

During my break, I realized these simple moments brought me great joy.

I realized how much time social media consumes without us knowing it. And with more time, I became more efficient and productive. Assignments that took me half a day to finish were now taking less than an hour, a change that lightened the ever-lingering academic pressure I felt before.

Unplugging also helped me rediscover forgotten passions. Instead of doomscrolling at night, I returned to hobbies such as listening to vinyl records and lifting weights. These activities lowered my stress levels and helped me remain centered in my daily life.

Finally, I learned that life goes on without social media. Many have FOMO, or fear of missing out, if they reduce social media usage – but studies show that social media usage exacerbates this fear. To my surprise, I discovered that there was little I missed out on during my break. I asked friends to keep me updated on significant news, and I didn’t miss a single important event.

Living without social media reminded me that life is richer in the present. I laughed more, let go of the pressure to keep up with trends and felt more joy in my daily life.

Of course, social media serves functional purposes, from professional networking to staying informed. For many UCLA students, fully deactivating their accounts may feel unrealistic. However, here are some effective ways to limit social media’s negative impact:

1. Take short breaks. If a full detox isn’t possible, start small. Delete apps for a day or two to see how you feel.
2. Identify and eliminate problem apps. Social media apps are not all equally harmful. Platforms that encourage doomscrolling, such as TikTok and Instagram, can be particularly draining. Prioritize keeping apps that serve specific purposes, such as LinkedIn or GroupMe.
3. Set limits for yourself. Impose daily caps on screen time or designate social media-free hours. Ask others around you to hold you accountable, too.

A break from social media won’t solve every problem, but it is a great way to refocus on the things that make your life uniquely fulfilling. For me, a one-month detox brought clarity, peace and a renewed sense of gratitude for the world around me.

So, Bruins, step away – even if only for a short time. You might find, as I did, that the constant hum of notifications isn’t worth it. Life’s moments are far more than a digital like.