My 6-month Facebook detox

By Nhu Quynh September 1, 2025 | 05:40 pm PT

I used to spend two or three hours every day scrolling through Facebook, reading comments, liking posts, and following everything on the platform. Eventually, it reached a point where I knew I needed help.

I'm 23 years old. I had become deeply immersed in the virtual world, so much so that I gradually lost interest in real-life activities. I realized that I was wasting valuable time, which was seriously impacting both my work and my personal life.

After some self-reflection, I admitted to myself that I had to change. Continuing this social media obsession would harm my motivation and hinder my ability to find a rewarding job and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I started reading advice online from experts on how to overcome social media addiction and began applying their tips to my daily routine.

The Facebook app on a mobile phone. Photo by Reuters

Quitting Facebook was not easy at first. I began by turning off all notifications from the app on my phone. This helped reduce curiosity and the temptation to constantly check for updates. Another effective method I used was to redirect Facebook notifications to my email inbox, allowing me to keep up with important information without frequently logging into the platform.

To occupy the time I previously spent on Facebook, I began participating in regular physical activities. I realized that while addicted to social media, I had completely neglected my health. Engaging in sports not only improved my physical well-being but also enhanced my concentration and boosted my mood significantly.

I did not completely eliminate social media from my life. I still use other platforms like Instagram and Zalo for communication and updates, but now I manage my time more intentionally and responsibly.

I have now been on this Facebook detox for six months. Throughout the first half of this year, I refrained from posting or commenting on Facebook. Instead, I have become more engaged in the real world, participating actively in sports and community programs at my workplace.

From my personal experience, I encourage everyone, especially young people, to use Facebook consciously and responsibly. Don't let social media dominate your life or become something that drains your time, motivation, and passion.

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