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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
dump facebook too. you will be pleased about how much more time you have to do important things.
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.
I had to let it go . There are other more respectful media options like Substack. May take a while to adjust.
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 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 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 “de-Tweeted”with no regrets. And now? More time to read good books and interesting articles on Substack!!
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!
Amen brother.