I quit (deleted accounts) all social media 5 years ago (before reels and short form media entered) and LinkedIn a year ago. This whole 'there is value in comments and DMs and connections for jobs' is the hook basically. I considered whether it was worth it. The answer for probably most people is 'No'.

Here is something I noticed: More present in the real world (no more head buried in the phone, neck feels better too). Less social comparisons (the worst part of social media that people don't understand). Depression and anxiety got better. Believe it or not but my quality of social interactions vastly improved after quitting social media. I also no longer take my phone out for pictures unnecessarily. There is no platform to show or compare or share. So I just take pictures for myself when I want to remember something and live the experience for just me. This is not selfish, this is just how reality is. But given that I am more present, I actually engage in the world and remember things as they are cause I am not distracted. I am mindful.

I have been an advocate for a while that social media is a really bad thing. My entire family is so addicted to all this. Mindfulness is the most important part. People are subconsciously comparing their lives to this world and it's driving their decision. Children are sitting with phones scrolling. I really find it concerning that people don't see this as a serious problem.

Get rid of it and don't think twice. The people really important and close to you will either call you or meet you for a meal. Everyone else was probably just a casual connection.