While scrolling through social media the other day, I came across a post about a movement encouraging people to go analog for a week—to stop posting and stop scrolling. One of the reasons behind it was the Lion's Gate Portal, a particular alignment of the stars that some believe creates a powerful opportunity to focus and direct energy. I don't personally follow or understand astrology, so that wasn't my reason for taking a break- but it did sound fascinating; it couldn't hurt to refocus my energy. Some suggested as a collective, we could step away from our screens and remind the big tech companies that they need us far more than we need them. Sounds good to me!
My first reaction was, "Cool! Back to 1987 we go! This is awesome!"
Not long afterwards, I posted a TikTok sharing the idea. The views climbed faster than most of my videos. Some commenters pointed out that they had jobs and lives, and that a social media fast only really affected "influencers" who make their living online. Others suggested that "something big" must be about to happen and "they" didn't want "us" finding out about it. A few questioned who started the movement—which seemed completely irrelevant to me. Most people, however, thought it was a brilliant idea and said they'd join me in taking a few days off.
The moment I announced it, I knew I'd have to follow through. Could I really stay off social media for a week?
Instagram and Facebook weren't going to be much of a challenge since I'm rarely on them anyway. But TikTok? That was another story. I usually stream a couple of times a day for an hour or two at a time. This past week I made a whopping $10.84. Could I give that up? (Insert sarcastic grin here.)
Would I lose followers? Would people come back when I returned? Would they even remember me? I knew I would miss so many awesome people in my community. I learn so much from them - even things I don't want to.
I also knew my league ranking would drop—and while that isn't exactly the end of the world, leagues determine where your videos and live streams get pushed. A and B leagues tend to reach audiences who are genuinely interested in art. D leagues... not so much.
But then I reminded myself of something important.
I'm an artist who happens to post online. I'm not a streamer who happens to make art.
Art is my career. It's my bread and butter.
While people generously support creators through these platforms—and I truly appreciate every single person who does—the platforms themselves often keep 60–70% of what viewers spend. Creators see very little of it. I'm incredibly fortunate to have built such an engaged and supportive community, many of whom have been with me since I started posting in March of 2025. I'd like to think I'm still the same slightly unhinged, quirky, authentic person they first started following.
Oops.
Day One.
I was relaxing in the bathtub, replying to a few text messages, when somehow—without even realizing it—I found myself watching an Instagram Reel. Since Instagram is the only social platform on my phone, I hadn't even processed that it counted. A few seconds in, it clicked.
Social media.
Off limits.
I closed it immediately.
Crisis averted.
I don't think most people realize just how many hours—or even days—we spend scrolling every year. If someone told us exactly how much of our lives disappeared into our phones, I think most of us would gladly add that time onto the end of our lives instead. Imagine exchanging endless scrolling for one more afternoon with someone you love. One more hike through the woods. One more bike ride. One more conversation. One more sunset.
I feel incredibly grateful to have grown up before the internet existed. We had no choice but to invent our own fun. We made new friends. We explored forests and fields on our bikes. We built forts, climbed trees, and disappeared outside until the streetlights came on- all without being tracked and traced. Heck - there was even an infamous commerical asking, "It's 10 o'clock. Do you know where your kids are?" Apparently, our parents needed reminders.
It's been nearly one full day without social media (minus my accidental little hiccup), and strangely, I already feel lighter.
It's as though someone quietly removed a constant layer of background noise I didn't even realize was there.
My mind feels calmer. And it's only been a day
I have a growing list of things I want to accomplish, and for once, there isn't a screen constantly tempting me to put them off.
Maybe this experiment won't change the world.
Maybe the algorithms won't even notice.
But I'm already noticing.
Sometimes the greatest luxury isn't having more information, more content, or more notifications. Sometimes it's reclaiming our attention. Every moment we choose to be fully present is a small reminder that our time is still ours to spend. And perhaps that's the most valuable thing we can unplug and reconnect with.
Try it. You'll be glad you did.
-Julie
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