Yeah, this is pretty much me. For a few years there, I would just stop tweeting after Christmas and see how long I could keep it up. I'd still check Twitter from time to time, but, very purposely, wouldn't say anything. Literally nobody noticed. Ever. There was a rewiring of the brain that happened during that time, when I felt like I wasn't thinking in Tweets. Then something would happen (I'd have a story out, usually), and I'd start Tweeting again and go back to what I was doing before.
I feel like I get good story tips through Twitter? But I think, like you do, that the benefits of being there are diminishing. It's been important to my career, but I think I've overemphasized its importance in my life.
First off, thanks for the cross-post. Second, you put your finger on something really important--I started thinking in tweets. That's not a path to anything useful, practically or otherwise. I needed to jolt my brain out of that.
You have captured my feelings about Twitter perfectly. I joined for education and health topics, but the people I follow on those topics have other interests they tweet about. So Twitter has broadened me. Your Twitter feed explores such diverse topics! But with this new ownership and increased hate speech and misinformation, I am cutting back and considering quitting.
Thank you, Phyllis! Of course I'll be dealing with some of those diverse topics over here in the newsletter. But I do think cutting back on Twitter is a good idea for many of us.
Good luck. I deleted the app a few weeks ago but still check it via browser in the morning and evening. There are a few motivational types I follow (Sahil Bloom, Ryan Holliday) but other than that I just lamely post my Wordle results.
I did manage to wean myself from Facebook a while ago--I still have an account there but haven't looked or posted in ages, except for occasional work research. Twitter was much more interesting to me from the get-go.
Tommy, you should start a twelve-step program for Twitter addicts. I have not used Twitter, although I may have made an account many years ago but never used it. You make it clear I dodged a bullet. I need to address my Facebook addiction so I cannot judge you harshly. Hang in there my friend.
Good luck Tommy! I deactivated my Twitter account and removed the app from my phone. I admit I’m having withdrawals, but each day gets a little better. I don’t need the negativity and falsehoods spewed by some folks.
I got off Twitter a few months ago because it had become, as a friend called it, “an insulin pump of outrage.” The only account I miss is Super70sSports.
Great post, Tommy. I'll probably do with Twitter what I did with Facebook several years ago which is just turn off notifications. Once I stopped getting the constant pings from Facebook, I tended to forget it exists for weeks or months at a time. Immediate quality of life improvement!
Good luck, Tommy! Won't be easy, but, as you say, will be healthy!
Yeah, this is pretty much me. For a few years there, I would just stop tweeting after Christmas and see how long I could keep it up. I'd still check Twitter from time to time, but, very purposely, wouldn't say anything. Literally nobody noticed. Ever. There was a rewiring of the brain that happened during that time, when I felt like I wasn't thinking in Tweets. Then something would happen (I'd have a story out, usually), and I'd start Tweeting again and go back to what I was doing before.
I feel like I get good story tips through Twitter? But I think, like you do, that the benefits of being there are diminishing. It's been important to my career, but I think I've overemphasized its importance in my life.
First off, thanks for the cross-post. Second, you put your finger on something really important--I started thinking in tweets. That's not a path to anything useful, practically or otherwise. I needed to jolt my brain out of that.
You have captured my feelings about Twitter perfectly. I joined for education and health topics, but the people I follow on those topics have other interests they tweet about. So Twitter has broadened me. Your Twitter feed explores such diverse topics! But with this new ownership and increased hate speech and misinformation, I am cutting back and considering quitting.
Thank you, Phyllis! Of course I'll be dealing with some of those diverse topics over here in the newsletter. But I do think cutting back on Twitter is a good idea for many of us.
Good luck. I deleted the app a few weeks ago but still check it via browser in the morning and evening. There are a few motivational types I follow (Sahil Bloom, Ryan Holliday) but other than that I just lamely post my Wordle results.
I've thought about ONLY posting Wordle results to see how fast my follower count would drop to zero :)
Good for you! You could have written several books during the time you lost on Twitter. I hope you’ll be a role model to others.
Mary Lou--that's exactly the thought I had, about the opportunity cost. What could I have done with all that time?
dump facebook too. you will be pleased about how much more time you have to do important things.
I did manage to wean myself from Facebook a while ago--I still have an account there but haven't looked or posted in ages, except for occasional work research. Twitter was much more interesting to me from the get-go.
Tommy, you should start a twelve-step program for Twitter addicts. I have not used Twitter, although I may have made an account many years ago but never used it. You make it clear I dodged a bullet. I need to address my Facebook addiction so I cannot judge you harshly. Hang in there my friend.
One day at a time, Joel. And take it easy :)
I had to let it go . There are other more respectful media options like Substack. May take a while to adjust.
I do love the Substack format so far. It's ideal for what I want to write and read.
Good luck Tommy! I deactivated my Twitter account and removed the app from my phone. I admit I’m having withdrawals, but each day gets a little better. I don’t need the negativity and falsehoods spewed by some folks.
Good for you! We'll use the buddy system :)
I quit about 3-4 years ago. I occasionally miss it but I feel like it’s one of the best mental health decisions of my life.
I hope to get to 3-4 years myself, Joe. Thanks for showing us it can be done.
I got off Twitter a few months ago because it had become, as a friend called it, “an insulin pump of outrage.” The only account I miss is Super70sSports.
I love Super70sSports, too ... I also love that phrase "insulin pump of outrage." It's accurate.
I “de-Tweeted”with no regrets. And now? More time to read good books and interesting articles on Substack!!
Good for you! I've read two books this week already! Amazing what you can do with extra time.
Great post, Tommy. I'll probably do with Twitter what I did with Facebook several years ago which is just turn off notifications. Once I stopped getting the constant pings from Facebook, I tended to forget it exists for weeks or months at a time. Immediate quality of life improvement!
Oh man, I couldn't handle notifications at all. I don't want my phone hollering at me all day. Texts and phone calls are all I get notified for.
Amen brother.
And also to you.