Why I Took a Break from Social Media – And Found Myself

In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to feel connected — yet completely lost. I’m a software engineering student who moved from a peaceful district  of Sindh known as Thatta to metropolis Karachi  – city of light to chase my dreams. But somewhere between my goals and the glow of my screen, I lost sight of what truly mattered.

Social media started consuming my life. I wasn’t living for myself — I was living for attention. From what I wore to what I posted, everything became a performance. And I wasn’t alone. According to recent global data, over 70% of social media users admit they post just to seek approval or attention. That hit me hard — because I was one of them.

I had moved to this city to study, explore, and grow — but instead of exploring my surroundings, I was exploring filters. Instead of reading books or newspapers, I was reading captions. People now spend an average of 2.5 to 3 hours a day on social media, and yet, only 1 in 4 young people read books or newspapers regularly. This isn’t just a digital habit — it’s a growing crisis of attention and awareness so I made a bold decision: I took a break. Logged out. Disconnected. And in that silence, I finally reconnected — with myself.

For the first few days after disconnection, I still felt the itch — the urge to check, to scroll, to “stay updated.” It was like a ghost limb of my daily routine. But slowly, that feeling faded, and a deeper realization set in: disconnection is the new connection.

Suddenly, I had time to read, to write, to reflect. I began writing my thoughts instead of captions. I walked around the city with my eyes wide open — not through a camera lens, but as a human being curious to live.
Nearly 60% of users report that social media negatively impacts their mental health, and I realized that firsthand. But the best part? Studies now show that just one week of digital detox can reduce stress and improve focus by up to 30%. I felt it. The clarity. The peace. The calm.

This is not a rejection of technology. As a software engineering student, I believe in the power of digital tools. But we must also believe in balance. In being present. In choosing quality over quantity.
So here’s my message to anyone feeling overwhelmed or empty despite being “online” all the time:
Take a break. Step outside. Pick up a book. Write your story. Live your life not just for the camera, but for your soul.
Because the real world is more beautiful than any filter you’ll ever use.
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Sarmad Palijo is a software engineering student who recently stepped away from social media to rediscover the power of focus, self-awareness, and real-world exploration. Can be reached at sarmadpalijo504@gmail.com