Why I Quit Social Media (And Probably Won’t Go Back)

Never say never, but I’ve felt so much clearer, lighter and more myself since I decided to remove Instagram and Facebook from my phone.

That’s not to say I’m perfect (WhatsApp is still an issue!), but I’m making progress.

So let me back-pedal a little bit and give you some context. In the last couple of months, I’ve been feeling a bit disheartened by the algorithm, which I’m sure many people in this day and age can relate to. It’s a numbers game. A bit like a slot machine. It wants you to put the content in, and it’s a gamble what comes back out.

I wouldn’t say I had a content strategy, nor was I able to post as consistently as seems to be required to be seen online, but I was posting weekly, maybe twice weekly, with pick-a-cards, Astrology updates and flash cards, plus endless story shares on my Instagram!

It was going okay, I have a humble amount of followers and a sweet group of people who cheer me on and root for me, and hopefully I give them something of value back!

But it all started to go a bit wobbly when I started posting about my wire-wrapped jewellery endeavours. This confused the algorithm. What was once an astrology-infused Tarot account was now suddenly talking about crystals and wire.

The algorithm didn’t seem to like that much, and so I guess until it understood what my account was “for”, I think I got put to the bottom of the list.

I’ve heard of this happening to other creators, too. They try to shift, pivot or branch out, and their content is no longer a “sure thing” that is guaranteed views and engagement. This is the content machine’s primary motive - eyes on screens.

I started to feel boxed in and like the algorithm doesn’t like or encourage multi-passionate creative people; it wants a niche, and it wants it all day, every day.

For someone like me who struggles to fix on one thing for a long time, and loves new shiny objects and projects, this just doesn’t work for me. I’m sure many others feel the same.

I want more autonomy and freedom in what I create, and I think I can have that through other channels.

After an eye-opening coaching call with the lovely Effy of Empowered with Effy (highly recommend her if you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed!), she helped me realise I can do things my own way and go against the grain if I want to.

Social media can be a wonderful tool to meet new people, get experiences and opportunities our ancestors did not have the luxury of having, but it is a double-edged sword, as many of us know. It can cause low self-esteem, self-doubt and comparison if you’re not careful.

Many content creators and small business owners blame themselves when their work doesn’t land or get the engagement or results they are hoping for.

It got to the point for me that even my friends and loyal supporters weren’t seeing my work because it was getting buried under all the noise, and what’s the point in that?

The whole reason I want to read Tarot, share Astrology, and artistic creations is to offer comfort, support and enjoyment to the people around me and new friends I hopefully make along the way, not shouting into a void and feeling bad about myself.

I am also seeing through my research that on the other side of the coin, many people are feeling burned out themselves, as people who absorb this content.

Many people report never seeing content from people who they chose to follow, including friends and family. Much of social media has become saturated with ads and quick-hit videos. The constant barrage of short-form content and reels often leaves people feeling exhausted and lacking connection.

So, all that being said - onwards and upwards!

I would like my little corner of the internet to be a slower place. One where you can put your feet up on a cosy Sunday morning with your favourite brew and read my blog like a little witchy magazine. Have a look at your horoscope, or gain some insight about the Astrology of the month or the Pagan celebrations we have coming.

Just a soft comfort corner that might inspire or uplift you, or help you reflect on something that has been coming up for you and feel supported or understood.

I’d like to pour my efforts now into a monthly newsletter, my blog and other avenues I uncover along the way. I’d like to see what it’s like to just focus on bringing a little, hello and here’s something interesting I learned, to your inbox each month.

I really hope you decide to come along on this new chapter with me. Like I say - I’m not one to set things in stone, if one day social media feels right for me again (or this tactic flops!) I might return, but for now I feel excited about this new direction.

If you would like to sign up for my newsletter and stay up-to-date with my latest Tarot and Astrology offerings, future workshops and witchy musings, you can sign up with your email address below.

I’ll see you there with a cuppa in hand!

Lots of love and thank you for your continued support!

Joey

xxx